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Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 281 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.