Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken
Juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with the fiery depth of gochujang sauce and crisp vegetables for a comforting Korean classic. This korean-inspired chicken (gluten free option) ready in about 35 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 2 stalks scallions
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Peel and julienne 1 medium carrot and slice 1 medium green bell pepper into thin strips. Chop 2 scallions into 1-inch pieces.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Add the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper to the skillet, stir-frying together for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and coated with the sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped scallions and sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds over the dish. Cook for an additional 1 minute, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken?
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 Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken?
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 Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken 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.
Is Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken gluten free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.