Name: BBQ Gochujang Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 oz chicken thighs (cut into pieces, see note 2); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1- inch piece ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 2.5 tablespoons honey

BBQ Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Sticky, Sweet, and Spicy BBQ Gochujang Chicken
What Makes BBQ Gochujang Chicken So Good?
Ingredients for BBQ Gochujang Chicken
How to Make BBQ Gochujang Chicken
Tips and Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sticky, Sweet, and Spicy BBQ Gochujang Chicken

This BBQ Gochujang Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner, bold, saucy, and ridiculously satisfying. The glaze is smoky, sweet, and just spicy enough, clinging to juicy air-fried chicken that stays tender on the inside and crispy on the edges. It comes together fast, but tastes like something you’d get from a Korean BBQ spot. Serve it over rice with some greens, and you’re all set.

A glossy, perfectly caramelized piece of BBQ gochujang chicken lifted by metal chopsticks over a full rice bowl. The charred edges highlight the umami-rich glaze, while the tender meat shows off juicy, flavorful layers. This close-up shot showcases the irresistible texture and bold Korean-inspired flavors that define this gochujang chicken recipe.

What Makes BBQ Gochujang Chicken So Good?

The magic of this Korean-inspired BBQ chicken comes from the gochujang, a fermented chili paste that adds depth, spice, and a subtle sweetness. When it’s blended with honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, you get a sticky, glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. The result is finger-licking good chicken with tons of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for BBQ Gochujang Chicken

8 oz chicken thighs, cut into pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons gochujang
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
2.5 tablespoons honey

How to Make BBQ Gochujang Chicken

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Start by marinating your chicken with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavor soak in and keeps the chicken juicy.

Hand holding mixing bowl filled with boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for 15 minutes for barbeque gochujang chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. This will be your sticky BBQ glaze.

A hand holds a small metal bowl holding the gochujang glaze made out of gochuajng, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and honey for bbq (barbeque) gochujang chicken.

Place the chicken into your air fryer basket. Brush a layer of glaze on top and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing again with glaze.

Brushing a vibrant gochujang barbecue marinade onto raw chicken thighs in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. The rich red glaze is thick and glossy, coating the chicken evenly to prepare it for roasting or air frying. This step ensures a flavorful, sticky, and caramelized crust in the final BBQ gochujang chicken dish—perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Once done, slice the chicken and serve it over steamed rice. Add steamed bok choy, spinach, or any greens you like for balance. Enjoy the sweet, sticky, savory perfection!

A hand placing bright green bok choy into a bowl of freshly cooked white rice topped with sliced BBQ gochujang chicken. The dish is almost ready to serve, showcasing meal prep ease and a healthy dinner combination of protein and greens with bold Korean flavor. A perfect fit for weeknight meals or Asian-inspired meal prep bowls.

Tips and Variations

• Don’t skip the marinade, even just 15 minutes adds tons of flavor

• For easier cleanup, use air fryer liners or parchment paper

• You can use chicken breast if preferred, but thighs stay juicier

• Want extra glaze? Double the glaze recipe and drizzle more on before serving

• No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 390°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes

A full view of a BBQ gochujang chicken rice bowl featuring thick slices of caramelized chicken glazed in a spicy, sweet, and smoky Korean-style sauce. Nestled over fluffy white rice and accompanied by blanched bok choy, this dish balances heat and freshness in a visually vibrant and satisfying dinner perfect for Asian recipe lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gochujang taste like?

It’s savory, slightly sweet, spicy, and super umami-packed. Think of it like the Korean version of sriracha, but thicker and with more depth. It’s the key to making this glaze unforgettable.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead?

You can, but the flavor won’t be the same. Gochujang brings a unique flavor that store-bought BBQ sauces can’t replicate. You could stir a bit of gochujang into BBQ sauce to get closer.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It’s more sweet and savory than spicy. Gochujang has heat, but it’s mellowed out by honey and soy sauce. If you want it hotter, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. Just store the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving. Add a splash of water or sauce if it gets dry.

What sides go well with it?

Steamed jasmine rice is the classic go-to. You can also serve it with stir-fried veggies, pickled cucumbers, or wrap the chicken in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

If you love bold Korean BBQ, try my Chicken Bulgogi, it’s savory, sweet, and perfect for rice bowls.

Looking for another sticky-saucy chicken dish? My Honey Garlic Chicken is always a hit.

Need a quick fried rice side? My Garlic Butter Fried Rice is fast, flavorful, and made with pantry staples.