Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang

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

Juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and fresh vegetables for a vibrant and satisfying meal. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 400 g chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tsp fresh ginger.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 small onion and julienne 1 medium carrot into matchstick pieces. Slice 2 scallions into thin rounds.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey to create the spicy-sweet sauce.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Add sliced onion and carrot to the skillet, continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  7. Step 7: Pour the gochujang sauce over the chicken and vegetables, toss well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang?

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 Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang 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.

What goes well with Korean-Style Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang?

Korean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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