Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring tender chicken thighs tossed in a spicy, savory gochujang glaze with crisp vegetables. 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch each. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce thickens, coating the chicken and veggies.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced scallions. Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for a nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce?

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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