Spicy Korean Baked Chicken: Gochujang BBQ Recipe

Updated at: 17/02/2025

Craving a flavor explosion that's both sweet, savory, and intensely spicy? Look no further than this irresistible Spicy Gochujang Chicken recipe! This Korean-inspired dish takes crispy, baked chicken to a whole new level with a vibrant gochujang-based glaze that's addictive from the first bite. Forget bland, boring chicken – this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly caramelized with a rich, sticky sauce, infused with the complex umami of fermented gochujang paste and a satisfying kick of chili.

The beautiful crimson color of the glaze alone is enough to make your mouth water, but the taste is even better. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this culinary masterpiece together.

Tools Needed

  • Bowl
  • Grater
  • Knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs (deboned, skin-on)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves
  • Ginger: a few stalks
  • Green onion: a few stalks
  • Gochujang: 2 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey (or brown sugar)
  • Rice wine (or dry white wine)
  • Black pepper
  • Sesame oil: a dash

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Gochujang BBQ Sauce and Chicken

  • Chop garlic and grate ginger. Finely chop green onions.
  • Combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice wine (or dry white wine), garlic, ginger, green onions, black pepper, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry on both sides.
  • Marinate chicken in the gochujang sauce for about 10 minutes.
Chop garlic and grate ginger. Finely chop green onions.Combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice wine (or dry white wine), garlic, ginger, green onions, black pepper, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.Pat chicken thighs dry on both sides.
Prepare the Gochujang BBQ Sauce and Chicken

Step 2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Poke a few holes in the foil.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Poke a few holes in the foil.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Step 3. Initial Bake

  • Bake for 30 minutes, then check.

Step 4. Finish Baking and Char the Skin

  • Flip chicken skin-side up. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the skin is charred and the chicken is cooked through.
Flip chicken skin-side up. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the skin is charred and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish Baking and Char the Skin

Read more: Bibimbap Recipe: Delicious Korean Mixed Rice & Vegetables

Tips

  • To prevent burning, use aluminum foil for the first part of baking.
  • You can use other chicken cuts like chicken breast or a whole chicken.

Nutrition

  • Fat: 15-25g
  • Carbs: 10-20g
  • Protein: 20-30g

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made gochujang paste?

Absolutely! Pre-made gochujang paste is readily available in most Asian grocery stores and many larger supermarkets. It simplifies the process considerably.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat by adjusting the amount of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) you add. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use a milder chili powder if desired.


This Spicy Korean Baked Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. From weeknight dinners to exciting gatherings, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the fiery deliciousness!