Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken
The aroma of sizzling chicken mingled with hints of garlic and ginger wafts through the kitchen, igniting an insatiable craving for flavorful adventure. This Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s your passport to a culinary getaway that warms the heart and tickles the taste buds. Picture those tender chicken strips, glistening in a rich, spicy-sweet glaze, served over fluffy rice and accompanied by vibrant green tenderstem broccoli. It’s not only a satisfying feast but also a feast for the eyes.
Table of Contents
Ah, the memories this dish evokes! I remember the first time I tried Korean chicken at a quaint little restaurant in my neighborhood; it was a chilly evening, and the cozy ambiance made the flavors burst even more vibrantly. Now, dining on the warmth of this speedy recipe on a weekday feels just as cozy. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create that same joy right in your own kitchen—this is the perfect dish to spread love through food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible Flavor: A delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and savory that pairs beautifully with rice.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and glossy sauce make this dish an impressive centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Great for a family dinner or meal prep, and loved by both adults and kids.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari in place of soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 g chicken breast fillets: Cut into strips for quick cooking. You can substitute with boneless thighs for added juiciness.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Divided into portions; this high smoke point oil is perfect for sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha: For a flavorful kick; adjust the amount for more or less heat.
- 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch: Used to thicken your marinade; you can substitute it with arrowroot powder.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness; opt for low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
- 1 tablespoon honey: This balances the heat with sweetness; maple syrup works well for a vegan option.
- 1 inch fresh ginger: Adds an aromatic touch and is packed with flavor; ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for a rich fragrance and taste; can substitute with garlic powder if necessary.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Enhances the overall spice level; adjust it or skip if you’re looking for something milder.
- Steamed rice: As a perfect base; use jasmine or basmati for fragrance and fluff.
- Tenderstem broccoli: Adds a nutritious green element; asparagus or bok choy can be substituted.
- Dry roasted peanuts: Chopped for a crunchy topping that complements the dish; sesame seeds can work, too.
- Lime wedges: For a zesty finish; enhances flavors when squeezed over the dish.
- Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe
Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chili powder until smooth and well blended. This marinade brings a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. Next, add the chicken strips into the bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover and let this marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours—though more time really helps those flavors meld beautifully.
Prepare Rice and Broccoli: While your chicken is soaking up those delightful flavors, go ahead and cook your rice according to package instructions. For the tenderstem broccoli, steam it until it’s bright green and tender, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep both warm and set them aside as you turn your attention back to the chicken.
Heat Up the Skillet: Grab a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, and over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering. A hot skillet is essential for that lovely golden sear on your chicken. It prevents sticking and promotes the caramelization of flavors that we all crave.
Sauté the Chicken: Using tongs, lift the chicken out of its marinade and gently place it in the hot skillet. Reserve the leftover marinade to make the sauce later. Sauté the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes, turning it occasionally until it gets a beautiful golden brown color and is cooked through. Remember, the chicken is perfectly done when the internal temperature registers at 165°F (74°C). This is the moment you want to see that sizzle!
Add the Sauce: Once your chicken is fully cooked, it’s time for flavor magic. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce into a shiny, sticky glaze that clings lovingly to the chicken. The bubbling sounds and the delightful scent wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to resist tasting it straight from the skillet!
Serve It Up: To plate your delicious easy Korean chicken, serve it over the warm steamed rice. Top generously with the chopped peanuts and sliced green onions for added crunch and freshness. Don’t forget to add the steamed tenderstem broccoli on the side; it not only looks beautiful but provides that satisfying crunch. Serve lime wedges on the plate for a zesty squeeze just before digging in for an extra pop of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, a quick microwave session for about 1-2 minutes should be sufficient, or you can heat it in a pan over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture of the chicken may change slightly after freezing, but a fresh splash of lime juice will liven it right back up!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken; this will ensure that it sears rather than stews.
- For an extra punch of flavor, allow your chicken to marinate overnight in the fridge.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up while heating.
- Want to make this dish even heartier? Add some vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken, like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Experiment with adding a dash of sesame oil or serve it with kimchi for an authentic touch.
Enjoying a steaming bowl of this Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe not only fills the belly but brings warmth to your heart. The perfect blend of spice and sweetness makes it a standout weeknight dinner that your family will request time and time again. So don’t be shy; adjust those flavors to your liking, toss in your favorite vegetables, and share this delightful meal around the dinner table. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to unfold!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option. Just make sure to cube, marinate, and sauté until crispy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken the night before. Just keep it stored in the fridge and sauté the chicken fresh the next day for the best texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe has a moderate heat level from the Sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less according to your preference.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
- Healthy Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
- Penne alla Vodka
- Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Honey Garlic Chicken
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Savor the irresistible flavors of this Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken filled with spicy-sweet sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. It’s an ideal quick dinner that promises satisfaction and warmth for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast fillets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Steamed rice
- Tenderstem broccoli
- Dry roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Green onions
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and coat chicken strips; refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Cook rice as per package instructions and steam broccoli until tender, then set aside.
- Heat remaining vegetable oil in a skillet and sear the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add reserved marinade to the skillet and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Serve chicken over rice, topped with peanuts and green onions, alongside broccoli and lime wedges.
Notes
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Adjust Sriracha for desired spiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
