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Spicy Korean Chicken

Spicy Korean Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine, offering a perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and umami.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken thighs Provides a juicy and tender texture.
  • 2 tablespoons oil Helps in achieving a crispy exterior.
  • 1.5 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang) Essential for spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Korean red chili powder (gochugaru or regular chili powder) Contributes to the bold flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Adds a nutty aroma.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Provides depth of flavor.
  • 1.5 tablespoons sugar Balances the heat.
  • 1 piece ginger (peeled and minced, about 1 inch / 2 cm) Adds aromatic notes.
  • 3 cloves minced garlic Makes the dish fragrant.
  • to taste salt Rounds out the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the chicken thighs horizontally to create thinner pieces, cutting each thigh into 2 or 3 slices.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine Korean chili paste, chili powder, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt, and whisk until the chili paste is dissolved.
  3. Marinate the sliced chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Cooking
  1. Cook the marinated chicken by grilling, pan-frying in a hot skillet, or baking at 400°F (207°C) for about 20 minutes until fully cooked.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with a side of steamed rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate overnight. Adjust spiciness by varying chili paste and powder. For crispy chicken, coat in cornstarch before cooking.