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Experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Korean-inspired chicken dish. Tender chicken thighs are transformed into a gloriously sticky, caramelized masterpiece using the magic of honey and gochujang paste. Simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of honey's sweetness and gochujang's complex heat creates an irresistible glaze that perfectly coats each piece of chicken.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and texture
- Gochujang: This Korean red pepper paste adds depth and heat
- Honey: Creates the signature sticky glaze
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweet and spicy elements
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor
- Green Onions: Provides fresh flavor and color
- Sesame Oil: Brings traditional nutty aroma
Preparation Method
- Preparing the Marinade
- Mix gochujang and honey until smooth. Gradually incorporate rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add minced garlic and white parts of green onions.
- Preparing the Chicken
- Thoroughly pat chicken dry. Cover with marinade and let rest 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
- Cooking Process
- Place in air fryer skin-side down at 375°F. Cook 10 minutes, flip, then continue until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Finishing
- Rest 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.
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The aroma of this dish as it cooks is absolutely captivating. The honey caramelizes perfectly while the gochujang adds a complex layer of sweet heat that makes this recipe truly special.
Mastering the Technique
Success lies in achieving the perfect glaze consistency. Monitor the cooking temperature carefully - the goal is to caramelize the honey without burning it. The final minutes are crucial for developing that signature sticky coating.
Serving Suggestions
Present over a bed of steamed rice to capture every drop of sauce. Add contrast with quick-pickled vegetables or traditional kimchi on the side.
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This honey gochujang chicken represents the perfect marriage of traditional Korean flavors with modern cooking techniques. It's a reliable recipe that consistently delivers outstanding results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s gochujang paste made from?
- It’s a Korean fermented red chili paste with a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory umami flavors. You can usually find it at Asian markets or in the international aisle of supermarkets.
- → Why should I leave the skin on the chicken?
- The skin crisps up nicely and keeps the chicken juicy while giving the glaze something to stick to.
- → Can I swap out the skin-on thighs for boneless, skinless ones?
- Totally! Just be sure to adjust the cook time by about 5 minutes, as boneless thighs cook faster.
- → How spicy does this dish turn out?
- The heat is medium, thanks to the gochujang. If you want it milder, use less paste or balance it with more honey.
- → What goes well with this dish?
- Steamed rice pairs perfectly, but kimchi, a cucumber salad, or quick-pickled veggies also make great side dishes.