Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
For the Korean Glaze
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnishing
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Place the chicken in a bowl and season it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
2. Coat the Chicken
Add the cornstarch to the seasoned chicken.
Toss everything together until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crisp outside that holds onto the glaze beautifully.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces, until golden and cooked through.
Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally for safety.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
4. Make the Korean Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
Add the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water.
Stir everything together.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. It will become glossy and slightly thicker.
5. Add the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Toss the chicken through the sauce until every piece is coated with the shiny Korean glaze.
Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes so the sauce clings to the chicken.
6. Garnish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the glaze is glossy.
🍚 What to Serve With Korean Glazed Chicken
Korean glazed chicken is especially good with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Shredded cabbage
- Lettuce wraps
For a simple meal, spoon the glazed chicken over warm rice and add some sliced cucumber and green onions on the side.
Tips for the Best Korean Glazed Chicken
Use chicken thighs: They tend to remain juicy and flavorful, although chicken breast works well too.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches helps it brown rather than steam.
Make the glaze separately: Allowing the sauce to reduce slightly before adding the chicken creates a thicker coating.
Adjust the spice: Gochujang gives the dish its characteristic Korean-style spicy flavor. Use less if you prefer a milder taste.
Add the chicken at the end: Tossing the cooked chicken in the glaze prevents it from becoming soggy while still giving every piece plenty of sauce.
🌶️ Easy Variations
Honey Garlic Korean Chicken
Increase the honey slightly and add an extra clove of garlic for a sweeter, more garlicky glaze.
Spicy Korean Chicken
Add a little extra gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Less Spicy Version
Use a smaller amount of gochujang and add a little extra honey to balance the flavor.
Air Fryer Version
Coat the chicken with cornstarch and lightly spray with oil. Air fry at about 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through, turning halfway. Toss the cooked chicken with the prepared glaze afterward.
Storage
Place leftover chicken in a covered container and refrigerate promptly. Reheat thoroughly before eating. The chicken is best enjoyed fresh because the coating is crispiest immediately after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Korean glazed chicken is a fantastic homemade dinner when you want something flavorful without making a complicated meal. The crispy chicken combines beautifully with the sticky glaze, while garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and gochujang create a delicious balance of sweet, salty, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Serve it over rice with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an easy meal that feels like restaurant-style Korean food at home.
