Description

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-honey sauce. Perfectly cooked using either an air fryer or oven baking, this recipe yields tender, crispy chicken that’s quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon oil (for air frying or baking)

Sauce

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon water

Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Cooked rice for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until lightly coated. Add a tablespoon of oil and coat evenly, which helps achieve a crispy texture whether air frying or baking.
Cook the Chicken (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cook the Chicken (Baked Method): Alternatively, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chicken evenly on the sheet and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, immediately toss it in the warm honey gochujang sauce until well coated to create that signature sticky texture.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve hot over cooked rice if desired for a complete meal.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang used.
Chicken wings or tofu can be substituted for chicken thighs for variation.
This dish is suitable for meal prep and reheats well.
Use tamari sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Adding cooked rice makes this a complete and satisfying meal.