Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a finger-licking sauce, then this Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal. The tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sticky glaze, highlighted by the smoky heat of gochugaru and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds, deliver an irresistible punch of flavor in every bite. This recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Korean cuisine to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet are the true heroes in making the dish shine. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is deliciously memorable.

• 1 pound skinless and boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preferred cut for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes): Adds the signature spicy kick and vibrant color that makes this dish stand out.
• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or other neutral oil: Helps to sear the chicken evenly without overpowering the ingredients’ flavors.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the essential salty umami foundation common in Korean cooking.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweetness and adds brightness.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Creates that irresistible sticky glaze with the perfect level of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma to finish the dish.
• 2 stalks scallions, chopped: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Spice the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken chunks on a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle the gochugaru generously over them. This step ensures every piece gets that bold, smoky heat from the Korean red chili flakes right from the start.

Step 2: Pound the Chicken

Next, cover the chicken with another parchment sheet and gently pound with a meat mallet. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the chili flakes embed deeply into every bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, allowing them to develop a slight crispness while sealing in the juices. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to prepare the saucy magic.

Step 4: Heat the Sauce

In the same pan, pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for about one minute, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 5: Sauce the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sticky sauce for about one minute to coat every morsel evenly. This step is where the layers of flavor meld beautifully, creating that signature sticky texture we all love.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the sauced chicken. Give everything one last toss to mix in the nutty crunch, then transfer to a serving plate. Top with the chopped scallions for a fresh and vibrant finish.

How to Serve Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions helps elevate the dish with contrasting textures and a burst of color. They also introduce subtle earthy and oniony notes that balance the richness of the sticky sauce.

Side Dishes

This Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice such as warm Japanese or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also throw in a side of sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of noodles or wrap it inside lettuce leaves for a hands-on meal. Drizzling some extra honey or sprinkling crushed nuts can add dimension, and offering extra gochugaru on the side lets guests customize the heat to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Korean Sticky Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious meal to enjoy later.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Pop the chicken into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s sticky texture. You can also warm it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture and stir midway for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and tender, and they work beautifully in this Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level comes from the gochugaru, which provides a moderate and smoky spice. You can adjust the amount used or substitute with milder chili flakes if you prefer less heat.

Is there a substitute for gochugaru?

If you can’t find gochugaru, you can use regular red chili flakes or even smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor. Keep in mind the unique taste of Korean chili flakes adds an authentic touch.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While this version features chicken, you could swap with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and the sauce will still lend amazing flavor.

What’s the best way to serve the leftovers?

Leftover Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe is fantastic warmed up in stir-fries, tossed with noodles, or even as a topping for rice bowls topped with fresh veggies or kimchi. It’s versatile and keeps well.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Sticky Chicken Recipe is a delightful celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that you can easily make at home any day of the week. Its combination of spicy, sweet, and savory notes makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to get rave reviews from friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite meals to cook and share!

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