Name: Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490211H34M54S
Total time: PT-490211H34M54S
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on or skinless; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, if baking); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening); Sesame seeds, for garnish; Sliced green onions, for garnish

I created this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken because I’ve always craved a dish that balances heat and sweetness without much fuss. Whether I air fry it for that crispy finish or bake it for deeper caramelization, the chicken emerges tender, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I get bold flavors from the spicy-sweet glaze of gochujang, honey, garlic, and ginger
Whether I air fry or bake, it stays light—less oil, same delicious texture
It takes about 35–40 minutes total—perfect when I want dinner on the table fast
I can tweak the spice just how I like it: extra gochujang for heat, less if I’m watching the kids

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on or skinless
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, if baking)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sticky Honey Gochujang Glaze:
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)

Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

directions

I pat my chicken dry, season it generously with salt and pepper, and lightly brush it with oil if I’m baking to help it crisp up
I whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth
I cook the chicken using either method:
- Air Fryer: I preheat to 375 °F (190 °C), place chicken in a single layer, and air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway
- Baking: I preheat to 400 °F (200 °C), arrange chicken on a lined sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once
I heat the glaze in a small saucepan over medium for 2–3 minutes until it simmers. I thicken it with cornstarch slurry if needed, then coat the cooked chicken with it
I garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: ~10 minutes
Cooking Time: ~25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

I swap in chicken wings for game day or tofu for a vegetarian twist
I add lemon juice or chili flakes to adjust the flavor to my liking
I mix in a spoon of peanut butter for a nutty layer
I try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken, adjusting the cook time

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
I reheat them in a skillet or air fryer to keep the skin crisp
For longer storage, I freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months and reheat in the oven or air fryer

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

I can—just shorten the cooking time since breasts cook faster and may dry out

What if I don’t have gochujang?

I mix sriracha and miso paste for a similar flavor if gochujang isn’t available

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes—I often prep the chicken and glaze in advance and combine when ready to serve

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce

How do I make the glaze stick better?

I toss the chicken in cornstarch before cooking to help the glaze adhere more effectively

Conclusion

I truly believe this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a weeknight hero: bold, balanced, and easy. Air-fried or baked, it’s a dish that brings sweet, spicy, savory, and sticky all at once. Whether I’m meal prepping, hosting, or craving comfort food with a kick, it never disappoints. I hope you love making it as much as I do.