Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared and finished with a sweet and spicy homemade gochujang glaze for bold Korean flavors. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 3 cloves minced garlic until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs and place skin-side down in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the gochujang glaze over the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze to coat the chicken until thickened and sticky.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Chicken Thighs with Gochujang Glaze?

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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