Spicy Korean-Style Braised Chicken Thighs with Gochujang

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

Tender chicken thighs slow-braised in a savory-sweet spicy sauce featuring Korean gochujang and regional aromatics. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs skin-on bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 40 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover and braise over low heat for 25 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Chicken Thighs with Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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-Style Braised Chicken Thighs 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Braised Chicken Thighs 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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Chicken Thighs 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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Chicken Thighs 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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