Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken
If you love bold, sweet, and spicy flavors, Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken is a must-try recipe. This dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky glaze made from honey and gochujang—the iconic Korean chili paste. Baked to perfection, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. For another irresistible Korean chicken option, try Korean Fried Chicken for crispy, crunchy bites with the same signature sweet-spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite. The honey balances the heat from the gochujang, while a touch of soy sauce and garlic adds depth. It’s versatile enough to use with chicken wings, thighs, or drumsticks, and it requires minimal hands-on cooking time. The result? A restaurant-quality Korean-inspired dish in your own kitchen.
Nutritional Information
Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken is both indulgent and balanced. It provides a good source of protein while keeping carbs and calories moderate, thanks to the naturally sweet glaze. Understanding its nutritional content helps you enjoy this flavorful dish guilt-free, whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or a special meal.
- Calories: ~250–300 (depending on chicken cut and amount of glaze)
- Protein: 20–25g
- Fat: 10–15g
- Carbohydrates: 15–20g
Time Breakdown
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its efficiency. With just a short prep and optional marinating time, the chicken bakes quickly while developing rich flavors. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans, letting you enjoy a bold Korean-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended for deeper flavor)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~65–70 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in simple, accessible ingredients. Gochujang provides the signature Korean heat, honey adds sweetness, and soy sauce, garlic, and ginger create a savory foundation. Together, they form a glaze that elevates tender chicken into a dish that tastes complex yet is easy to prepare.
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Shopping for this dish is straightforward. With a short, focused list of ingredients, you can grab everything in one trip. This makes the recipe approachable for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a quick, flavorful meal. For another fun Korean-inspired dish that’s perfect for snacking or lunch, try making Korean Kimbap—these rice-and-vegetable rolls are as delicious as they are visually appealing.
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Gochujang paste
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic and ginger
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
How to Make – Step by Step
Although the flavor is bold, the method is simple. From mixing the marinade to baking the chicken, each step is easy to follow. By following a clear step-by-step process, you’ll end up with tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s visually appealing and full of flavor.
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Toss chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Bake the chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with extra marinade.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or a side of vegetables.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can switch up the protein, adjust the sweetness or spiciness, or add extra garnishes to suit your taste. These small variations allow you to personalize the dish without compromising its core flavors, making it versatile for different occasions.
- Use chicken wings for a party-friendly version.
- Substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a splash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for more heat.
- Garnish with pickled radish or cucumber slices for extra crunch and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. From steamed rice to roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad, the dish is enhanced by fresh, complementary flavors. Thoughtful presentation makes it perfect for weeknight meals, casual gatherings, or even dinner parties. For a more substantial, flavorful pairing, serve it alongside Japchae Noodles —the savory, slightly sweet stir-fried glass noodles make a perfect balance to the sticky, spicy chicken.
- Serve alongside steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the glaze.
- Pair with a simple cucumber salad or kimchi for a full Korean-inspired meal.
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for color and nutrition.
- Perfect for meal prep: store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Storing Tips
Knowing how to store this dish ensures it stays flavorful and tender. With proper refrigeration and careful reheating, leftovers maintain the delicious glaze and texture. This makes it ideal for meal prep or enjoying as a next-day lunch or dinner.
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness of the glaze.
- Keep extra marinade separately if you want to recoat the chicken before reheating.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small chef’s tricks can elevate this recipe. Patting the chicken dry before marinating, basting during baking, and using a wire rack for even cooking are simple adjustments that improve flavor, texture, and presentation. These tips help ensure restaurant-quality results at home.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the glaze stick better.
- Baste the chicken during baking to ensure it stays moist and caramelizes evenly.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate overnight.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispier skin.
Conclusion
Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to your table. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress family, friends, or anyone craving bold Korean flavors. Whether for weeknight dinner or special gatherings, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.