Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Korean cuisine with this absolutely addictive Sweet Sticky Korean Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Seoul. This dish isn't just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and potentially fighting over the last piece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated ginger to create a marinade. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they will brown nicely. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for better air circulation and crispier chicken.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting and later sauce reduction.
- Arrange chicken thighs on the prepared wire rack, skin-side up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10 minutes to create a glossy, sticky coating.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The skin should be dark, caramelized, and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Optional: Reduce remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a glaze. Drizzle over chicken before serving for extra flavor intensity.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For the most intense flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the chicken on a wire rack helps achieve crispy, caramelized skin by allowing hot air to circulate evenly around the chicken.
- Basting Technique: Regular basting every 10 minutes creates that irresistible glossy, sticky coating that makes this dish so special.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption while maintaining maximum juiciness.
- Don't Skip the Reduction: The optional step of reducing the remaining marinade creates an extra layer of flavor intensity that elevates the entire dish.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only adds visual appeal but also brings additional texture and freshness to the final presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
