Sticky & Spicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs

My go-to chicken thigh marinade! These sticky & spicy Gochujang chicken thighs are weeknight dinner heroes. Easy, flavour-packed and ready in under an hour. Try it now!

Recipe Introduction: Gochujang Chicken Thighs, Mate!

Ever stared into the fridge wondering what on earth to cook? let me tell you about these sticky & spicy gochujang chicken thighs .

It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution. seriously, this chicken thigh marinade is a game-changer.

Taste the Korean-British Fusion

This isn't your average chicken marinade recipe . we're talking korean-inspired flavours. think spicy, sweet, and savory all rolled into one.

These grilled chicken thighs are easy to make. it takes minimal time and effort. plus, you get 4 servings.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Recipe

Honestly, the flavour is insane. this chicken thigh marinade is a flavor bomb. but the real win? these thighs are packed with protein.

Perfect for a post-workout meal or a hearty family dinner. serve these chicken dishes recipes any day of the week.

Getting Started With the Good Stuff

Ok, you're hooked, right? so, what makes this thigh marinade so special? it is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami.

Plus, i reckon that this will become a staple chicken thigh grill recipes in your kitchen.

Prep is super simple. Grab your ingredients and lets dive in!

Key Ingredients for Chicken Thigh Marinade Bliss

You'll need:

• Four boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Gochujang (Korean chilli paste)
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

See? Nothing too crazy.

This Chicken Thigh Recipes Crockpot will be next..

Hey, If you like this recipe and you need to cook more, then be sure to read our next recipe about chicken thigh recipes crockpot !

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this awesome Sticky & Spicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs recipe. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff. You can whip this up even on a Tuesday!

Ingredients & Equipment Deconstructed

Main Ingredients to Get Started

Okay, so here's the shopping list, broken down to make it super easy.

• Chicken thighs: you'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. aim for about 600g (1.3 lbs) in total. for the best chicken thigh grill recipes , look for thighs that are plump and have a nice pink color.

  Not pale or anything.

• Gochujang: grab 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . this is the korean chili paste that gives the chicken thighs marinade its kick.

  Quality matters here! look for one that's a vibrant red and smells fermented and delicious.

• Soy Sauce: Use 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , low sodium if you're watching your salt.

• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Apple cider vinegar works too in a pinch.

• Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Maple syrup is a great swap if you're vegan.

• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . That nutty flavor is key.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. That's about 2 teaspoons .

• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated. About 1 tablespoon .

• Black Pepper: A pinch. 1/4 teaspoon .

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . Only if you want to crank up the heat! I like my thigh marinade spicy!

Seasoning Notes - Flavor Bombs!

This is where the magic happens! We're building layers of flavor, you know?

• Gochujang + Soy Sauce: This combo is the umami backbone. It's what makes it savory.

• Honey + Sesame Oil: These add sweetness and nuttiness for a balanced flavor.

• Ginger + Garlic: These two aromatics are essential! Don't skip them!

• Spice it Up: If you don't have Gochujang, you can use a tablespoon of sriracha mixed with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. It's not quite the same, but it'll do!

My friend Sarah once tried to make this with just chili powder. Honestly? It was a disaster! The chicken marinade recipes need that depth.

Equipment Needed – Keep it Simple

You don't need a whole kitchen arsenal for this.

• Mixing Bowl: To make the chicken thigh marinade , duh!
• Whisk: To get everything combined nicely.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Gotta get those measurements right!
• Baking Dish or Skillet: Oven-safe, please!
• Meat Thermometer: Not essential, but highly recommended. You want those grilled chicken thighs cooked to 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants dry chicken!

Honestly, that's it. No fancy gadgets needed. This is chicken dishes recipes made easy. You could even use a Ziploc bag for the marinade instead of a bowl, less cleanup, what not to love? The simpler the better when it comes to chicken thigh recipes baked !

Alright, let's dive into what makes a stellar chicken thigh marinade , shall we? honestly, chicken thigh recipes are where it's at.

They're so forgiving and juicy. we'll get into prepping and steps for a sticky and spicy chicken thigh marinade . trust me, you'll ditch those dry chicken breasts in a heartbeat.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: mise en place . Seriously, it's your best friend. Get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the oven. Mince that garlic, grate that ginger.

This means measuring out the gochujang (2 tablespoons), soy sauce (2 tablespoons), rice vinegar (1 tablespoon), honey (1 tablespoon), sesame oil (1 tablespoon), mincing garlic (2 cloves), grating ginger (1-inch piece), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon).

Get the chicken thighs ready to go (4 of them).

Time-saving tip? Use a garlic press! Oh, and remember: safety first . Wash your hands and cutting boards after handling raw chicken.

From Fridge to Feast: Step-by-Step Goodness

1. Marinade Mayhem: Whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Boom.
2. Chicken Bath Time: Plop those chicken thighs into the marinade. Make sure they're completely coated.
3. Chill Out: Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is the bomb . Honestly, the longer the better. You can marinate for up to 24 hours for super tender chicken.
4. Oven Time: Preheat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . This is a must.
5. Bake It 'Til You Make It: Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Want extra flavor? Baste with the remaining marinade halfway through.
6. Temp Check: The internal temperature needs to hit 74° C ( 165° F) . Use a meat thermometer. It is a safe and delicious temperature.
7. Rest Up: Let the grilled chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Important!
8. Garnish Glory: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional, but highly recommended).

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game

• Charred is King: Stick the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Watch it like a hawk, though! Burnt bits are not delicious.
• Don't Overcook: Seriously. Dry chicken is sad chicken. Use a thermometer.
• Spice It Your Way: Gochujang heat can vary. Adjust the amount to your liking. I like mine a little fiery! Some Chicken Thigh Grill Recipes can handle a good kick.

I once tried a chicken marinade recipes from my great aunt, and oof , it was bland. lesson learned: don't be afraid to experiment! this chicken thigh marinade is a game changer, whether you're baking it, grilling it, or even throwing it in the chicken thigh recipes crockpot .

It's just that good. you can always modify the recipes and look for chicken dishes recipes for inspiration.

So, go on, give it a go. I hope you love it.

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for these crazy good Sticky & Spicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs ! This isn’t just about the recipe, you know? It's about making it yours .

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own!

Honestly, this is where the magic happens. it's all about tweaking and playing around to get it just right for your taste.

I learned that messing up recipes often leads to something even better.

Serving Suggestions: Plate It Like a Pro (or Not!)

Forget fancy plating unless you’re feeling it. honestly, these grilled chicken thighs are amazing piled high on rice. throw some stir-fried veggies on the side.

Kimchi is an absolute must, if you dig the fermented vibes. cucumber and mint salad? yes. pairs great with these chicken dishes recipes .

Imagine this served with a crisp glass of beer…oh my gosh! chef's kiss . if you are going to grill, make sure you use one of the chicken thigh grill recipes that keeps them moist.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Fam!

Got leftovers? lucky you! pop those chicken thighs marinade into an airtight container. they will keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing? totally doable! wrap them well in cling film, then foil, or chuck them in a freezer bag. they'll last for up to 3 months.

Reheating is easy – oven, microwave, or even a quick pan-fry will do the trick.

Variations: Adapt & Conquer!

Want to be all healthy-ish? no worries. sub the honey with maple syrup. use tamari instead of soy sauce and make this thigh marinade gluten-free.

Wanna change the flavor profile? go crazy with a honey garlic version. or try a lemon herb marinade, and enjoy new chicken marinade recipes .

You know the drill.

Nutrition Basics: Knowledge is Power!

Alright, let's be real. this chicken thigh marinade is not a salad. it is delicious though, and has about 350 calories, 35g of protein, and 18g of fat per serving.

Chicken is packed with protein and this recipe is pretty balanced if you are not dunking it in loads of extra sauce.

So, there you have it! some extra nuggets of wisdom to make these chicken thigh recipes baked or even in a chicken thigh recipes crockpot your new best friend! don't be scared to experiment.

Most importantly, have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken thighs for the best flavour?

For this Sticky & Spicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs recipe, you really want the marinade to do its magic! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, let those chicken thighs soak up all that lovely flavour in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight. Think of it like brewing a cuppa – the longer it steeps, the stronger the taste!

Can I use other cuts of chicken with this chicken thigh marinade?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are fantastic because they stay juicy and tender, this marinade works well with other cuts too. Chicken breasts are a fine alternative, but reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to prevent them from drying out. You could even use drumsticks or a whole chicken cut into pieces - just adjust cooking times accordingly, mind!

How do I adjust the spice level of the Gochujang chicken thigh marinade?

Gochujang can have a bit of a kick, so it's all about finding your happy place! Start with the recommended 2 tablespoons and taste the marinade. If you fancy a bit more of a fiery hit, add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes. If you're not a spice fiend, reduce the Gochujang slightly or add a touch more honey to balance things out. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!

What's the best way to store leftover marinated or cooked chicken thighs?

Leftover marinated chicken thighs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cooked chicken thighs, once cooled, should also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and are best consumed within 3-4 days. Make sure they're properly chilled before putting them away to avoid any dodgy tummy situations. Safety first, always!

Is this chicken thigh marinade recipe gluten-free or vegan friendly?

With a few tweaks, this can be both! To make it gluten-free, swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari. For a vegan version, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Double-check that your Gochujang is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain fish sauce. A little attention to detail, and everyone can enjoy a delicious meal!

Can I grill these chicken thighs instead of baking them?

Crikey, yes, you absolutely can! Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavour. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Watch them carefully to prevent burning, and you might want to brush them with any leftover marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze.

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