Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs glazed with a sticky-sweet Korean-inspired sauce, finished with a nutty sesame finish for an easy weeknight dinner. This korean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, tablespoons gochujang paste, tablespoons soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 3 tablespoons gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserving the marinade), and place in the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 minutes until thickened and glossy, stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate, drizzle with the sauce, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons gochujang paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gochujang-Marinated Chicken Thighs gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes