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Gochujang Chicken Bowls

Gochujang Chicken Bowls
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Gochujang Chicken Bowls are a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet Korean chili paste sauce, served over rice or grains with fresh vegetables and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances bold heat, sweetness, and umami, making it both satisfying and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup crunchy cucumbers, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or other greens
  • 1/4 cup kimchi (optional for tang and crunch)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar. This spicy-sweet sauce forms the base of your dish.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with about half of the prepared sauce. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the bold flavors.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and caramelized at the edges. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
  4. Prepare the grains and veggies: Cook 1 cup of your choice of rice or quinoa according to package instructions. While the chicken cooks, chop fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and shredded carrots, and sauté greens like spinach.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Layer the cooked rice or grains at the bottom of each bowl. Add the cooked chicken on top, spoon over the reserved sauce, and then add fresh or pickled veggies. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  • Use high heat to sear the chicken for caramelization and enhanced taste.
  • Adjust honey or sugar to balance the spiciness of the gochujang to your preference.
  • Prep vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time and develop flavors.
  • Toast sesame seeds gently before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gochujang chicken, Korean chicken bowl, spicy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free Korean food, meal prep bowl

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/gochujang-chicken-bowls/