Quick Korean Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Gochujang
A fast and flavorful Korean-inspired chicken stir-fry featuring gochujang and fresh vegetables for a spicy and savory meal. 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 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 400 g boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 stalks green onion, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 400 g boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water to create the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced small onion and 1 julienned medium carrot to the skillet, stir-fry with chicken for 3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stir well to coat all ingredients, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the dish and toss gently. Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Korean 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 Quick Korean 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Korean 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 Quick Korean Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Gochujang for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Quick Korean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing recipe, made for my husband's birthday and he was thrilled!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Quick and flavorful, exactly as promised.
- ★★★★★
This was SO good! My whole family devoured it. The gochujang gave it that perfect kick.