If you love the perfect balance of sweet heat and finger-licking flavor, this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe is going to be your new go-to dish. Combining tender chicken pieces with a rich, spicy-sweet glaze made from gochujang and honey, this recipe delivers a vibrant Korean-inspired meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Whether you prefer the crispy finish of air frying or the convenience of baking, this dish hits all the right notes and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, essential ingredients come together to create incredible flavor and texture in this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from tenderizing the chicken to adding that irresistible sticky glaze and a little crunch at the finish.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites or breasts for leaner meat that still stays tender when cooked right.
- Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is the star of the sauce, bringing spicy depth and umami that pairs beautifully with honey’s sweetness.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps achieve that signature glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty, savory notes that balance the chili and sweet flavors perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy lift that keeps the sauce refreshing rather than cloyingly sweet.
- Minced garlic: Packs a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the bold sauce.
- Grated ginger: Brings warmth and a hint of zest for depth in every bite.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch adds a nutty fragrance that elevates the whole dish.
- Cornstarch: Helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior that holds up beautifully whether air fried or baked.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for serving): Add a fresh crunch and visual flair that takes the dish over the top.
How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper—this simple step boosts all the flavors. Toss the chicken in cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated; this will give your chicken that wonderful crispiness whether you air fry or bake.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This vibrant sauce is where all the magic happens, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that soak perfectly into the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If you’re air frying, arrange the coated chicken in a single layer inside your air fryer basket and cook at 380°F. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden edges. This method yields crisp, juicy nuggets in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and bake the chicken at 425°F until the pieces are lightly crisp on the outside and cooked through, roughly 20 minutes.
Step 4: Warm and Thicken the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. This step thickens the glaze slightly so it clings beautifully to the chicken, transforming each bite into a sticky, flavorful delight.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in Sauce and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, toss the hot chicken pieces in the sauce until every morsel is gloriously coated. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, crunchy garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate. These small touches make the dish feel homey yet polished.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up the sticky sauce splendidly. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, also complement the bold flavors perfectly, providing balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or crisp lettuce leaves for a hand-held Korean-style wrap. You can also turn it into a vibrant bowl topped with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of cool yogurt or mayo for a fusion twist that delights the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together will help the flavors meld and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, freeze the chicken without the sauce and add the sauce fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a warm oven to maintain crispiness. Add the sauce after reheating to keep that fresh sticky coating. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. The cornstarch coating helps keep them moist and crispy.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level primarily depends on the amount of gochujang you use. It usually offers moderate spiciness with a hint of sweetness. You can adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or more gochujang for extra heat to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your labels to be sure, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before tossing with the cooked chicken to bring out the flavors and create that perfect sticky glaze.
What’s the best way to get a crispy exterior?
Coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking is key to achieving a crispy crust. Air frying tends to give a slightly crunchier finish than baking, but both methods produce delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory, it effortlessly elevates simple chicken into something truly special. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy meal or impressing friends, this recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite that you’ll reach for again and again. Go ahead, try it out and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy, sweet, and sticky gochujang-honey glaze. You can easily make it using either an air fryer or by baking in the oven, resulting in juicy chicken with a beautifully caramelized exterior. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season and Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper. Then place them in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until each piece is fully coated, which helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined, forming a flavorful, sticky sauce.
- Cook the Chicken (Air Fryer Method): Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Cook the Chicken (Baking Method): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated chicken pieces out in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for approximately 18-20 minutes, until the chicken is lightly crisp on the edges and fully cooked.
- Warm and Thicken the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the prepared sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes more glaze-like.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the warm, thickened sauce over it. Toss well to coat every piece thoroughly with the sticky glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the glazed chicken for fresh flavor and a nice visual touch. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding extra honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Increase the heat by adding more gochujang according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For gluten-free preparation, use gluten-free soy sauce.
