You will love this easy chicken recipe. This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish stands out as a go-to option for busy weeknights.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade
- How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- With Steamed Rice
- Over a Fresh Salad
- Wrapped in Lettuce
- Accompanied by Kimchi
- On Skewers
- How to Perfect Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Best Side Dishes for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Reheating Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken spicier?
- Can I use different meats for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
- What can I serve with Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
- Is Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken healthy?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of honey and gochujang creates a delightful balance of sweetness and heat.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: You can choose to air fry or bake, making it adaptable to your kitchen setup.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile makes it suitable for various palates, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
- Mixing bowl
- Microplane or grater
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer or oven: These appliances allow you to cook the chicken evenly while achieving that crispy texture.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine the marinade ingredients effectively.
- Microplane or grater: Using this tool ensures that garlic is finely grated, maximizing its flavor release.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping green onions and preparing your ingredients with ease.

Ingredients
To make this delightful Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 6 chicken thighs (boneless, keep the skin on)
- 2 cloves of garlic (grated with microplane)
- 3 stalks of green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated garlic, gochujang paste, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Whisk together until smooth to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade.
- Ensure each thigh is well-coated with the mixture. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more intense flavor).
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer or oven according to your device instructions.
- Place marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket or on a baking tray if using an oven.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If using an air fryer, check at around 15 minutes for doneness.
Enjoy your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken hot from the kitchen!
How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Serving Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is all about complementing its rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed rice is a classic pairing that absorbs the rich sauce, making every bite delicious.
Over a Fresh Salad
- A crisp salad with mixed greens and a sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch, balancing the sticky sweetness of the chicken.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a fun twist, serve the chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves with sliced cucumbers and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
Accompanied by Kimchi
- This traditional Korean side dish introduces a spicy, tangy element that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the chicken.
On Skewers
- Serve the chicken on skewers for an easy-to-eat option at parties or casual dinners. Add some grilled veggies for variety.
How to Perfect Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Perfecting your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken can take this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies flavors and ensures tender meat.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang paste or balance it with more honey.
- Use High Heat: Cooking at higher temperatures in the air fryer or oven helps achieve a crispy skin while keeping the interior juicy.
- Baste During Cooking: Basting the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking will enhance its glaze and flavor.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This preserves juiciness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice dish adds a hint of sweetness that complements the spiciness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offer a perfect crunchy contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs and citrus can lighten up your meal.
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: Quick stir-fried broccoli adds both color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing provide a delightful texture and flavor variation.
- Pickled Radishes: These add a tangy crunch, cutting through the stickiness of the chicken beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken can be simple and rewarding, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong type of chicken: Always use boneless chicken thighs for optimal tenderness. Avoid breast meat as it can dry out easily.
- Not marinating long enough: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor. Try to plan ahead for the best results.
- Skipping the garlic: Grating garlic adds depth to the sauce. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This prevents dryness and keeps it juicy.
- Ignoring the cooking method: While you can air fry or bake, make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Follow specific guidelines for each method.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in increments of 1 minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.
How do I make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken spicier?
You can add more gochujang paste or include red pepper flakes in your marinade to increase the heat level.
Can I use different meats for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. Adjust cooking times according to the meat used.
What can I serve with Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Is Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken healthy?
This dish is relatively healthy due to lean protein and flavorful ingredients that enhance taste without excessive calories.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding your favorite vegetables. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its sweet and spicy flavors!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the irresistible flavors of Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, a quick and easy dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs marinated in a delightful combination of honey, gochujang paste, and aromatic garlic, resulting in a flavorful glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and versatile cooking methods—air frying or baking—you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Serve it with steamed rice, fresh salads, or wrapped in lettuce for an extra twist!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (boneless, keep the skin on)
- 2 cloves of garlic (grated with microplane)
- 3 stalks of green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together grated garlic, gochujang paste, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
- Preheat your air fryer or oven as per instructions. Cook marinated chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), checking at 15 minutes if using an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg





