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Crispy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs

crispy korean gochujang chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, delivering authentic Korean flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed) for frying
  • Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Press lightly with a spatula or tongs to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Lower heat if browning too fast.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour the spicy glaze over the chicken thighs, spooning it over each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to coat evenly in the sticky glaze.
  7. Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook skin-side down undisturbed for best results. Glaze near the end to prevent burning. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken, gochujang chicken, crispy chicken thighs, spicy chicken, easy Korean recipe, weeknight dinner