Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos - BeCentsational

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos

Pin & Save for Later!

I first discovered sticky gochujang chicken tacos during a cozy dinner with friends, where someone brought a batch inspired by Korean street food. The combination of bold, spicy flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla instantly captivated me, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

Since then, it’s become a regular in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress guests with minimal effort.

There’s something special about how the sticky, sweet heat of gochujang caramelizes on the chicken, balanced perfectly by fresh toppings. It’s the ideal dish for gatherings, where everyone can customize their tacos with vibrant garnishes and sauces.

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos with juicy chicken coated in spicy sauce, served in soft tortillas, and garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds. A quick and flavorful dinner recipe for busy nights.
Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos with spicy sauce, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Simple dinner idea.

Quick Overview

  • Recipe: Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos
  • Key Ingredients: Chicken thighs, Gochujang, garlic, tortillas, cabbage slaw
  • Time to Make: 30 minutes total
  • Servings: 4 servings

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay tender and absorb the marinade beautifully.
  • Gochujang: A fermented Korean chili paste with a deep, complex heat. Opt for a quality brand for the best results.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that build the flavor base of the sauce.

Possible Substitutions for Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos

  • Chicken: Use chicken breast or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Gochujang: If unavailable, mix sriracha with a bit of miso paste for a similar depth.
  • Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos arranged neatly on a white plate, topped with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, with a side of slaw in a white bowl adding a pop of color. Ideal for Quick and easy dinner recipes.
Saucy Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos topped with sesame seeds and cilantro. Quick dinner recipe.

Expert Tips for Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos

  1. Marinate for Extra Flavor:
    • Why It Matters: Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
    • Implementation: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Control the Heat Level:
    • Why It Matters: Gochujang can be spicy, so balance the heat for all preferences.
    • Implementation: Adjust by reducing gochujang or adding more honey.
  3. Crisp the Tortillas:
    • Why It Matters: Lightly charring tortillas enhances their flavor.
    • Implementation: Heat directly over a gas flame or dry skillet.
  4. Leftover Reinvention:
    • Why It Matters: Leftovers make great bowls or wraps.
    • Tip: Serve chicken over rice or in lettuce cups for a twist.
Close-up of Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos highlighting the saucy chicken, fresh cilantro, and sesame seed toppings, creating a mouthwatering and colorful dinner idea. Great for Quick and easy dinner recipes.

FAQs for Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Reduce the gochujang amount and increase honey for a milder version.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, the chicken can be cooked and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef are delicious alternatives.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce the amount of gochujang and add a bit more sweetener to mellow the heat. You can also serve with avocado or sour cream to cool things down.

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos served in soft flour tortillas, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, with a bowl of colorful slaw blurred in the background. A vibrant Easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos with sesame seeds and cilantro, paired with slaw. Easy dinner idea.

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the sauce consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prep the sauce and marinate the chicken up to a day ahead.

More Easy Dinner Recipes


These tacos are a go-to for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike, thanks to their bold flavors and easy preparation.

I’d love to hear how you make them your own—try them out and share your feedback below! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me if you share them on social media. Happy cooking!


Three Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos filled with saucy chicken, topped with sesame seeds and cilantro, displayed on a clean white plate. A bold and flavorful option for Easy dinner recipes.
Yield: 4 servings

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Sticky Gochujang Chicken Tacos bring bold, spicy-sweet flavors with tender chicken caramelized in gochujang sauce, served in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage slaw, cilantro, and lime. Ready in 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners or lively gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 8 small tortillas
  • Cabbage slaw, for topping
  • Cilantro & lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken: Prep the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the sauce: Combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
  3. Cook the chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
  4. Simmer with sauce: Add the sauce, cooking until it thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Assemble tacos: Warm tortillas, add chicken, and top with cabbage slaw, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and rating below! Share your taco creations on social media. I’d love to see how you make them your own!

Notes

  • For extra heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • For a milder version: Reduce gochujang and increase honey.
  • Storage Tip: Store chicken separately from tortillas for best texture.
  • Nutrition Information

    Yield

    4

    Serving Size

    1

    Amount Per Serving Calories 691Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 147mgSodium 1838mgCarbohydrates 80gFiber 5gSugar 19gProtein 37g

    Pin & Save for Later!

    You may also like

    Skip to Recipe

    Sharing is Caring

    Help spread the word. You\'re awesome for doing it!