Name: Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast fillets; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 2 tablespoons Sriracha; 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch (up to 1 teaspoon); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and minced); 3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 1 teaspoon chili powder; Steamed rice; Tenderstem broccoli; Dry roasted peanuts (chopped); Lime wedges; Green onions (sliced)

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As you step into the kitchen, the mouthwatering aroma of the Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe fills the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The bright red hue of the marinated chicken contrasts beautifully against the lush greens of tenderstem broccoli, making the entire scene feel vibrant and alive. Each sizzling piece browns delightfully in the skillet, creating a crispy exoskeleton that promises to seal in juicy flavors. This dish is a feast not only for the eyes but for the senses, begging to be tasted.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken

I still remember the first time I tried a spicy Korean chicken dish on a chilly evening, huddled around the dinner table with friends, exchanging laughter and stories. The mix of sweet and spicy made for a taste explosion, leaving us all reaching for seconds. That is why I’m thrilled to share this quick and delightful recipe with you — it’s perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Let’s come together to create something unforgettable in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute cravings!
Irresistible Flavor: Experience the sweet and spicy harmony from Sriracha, soy sauce, and honey — every bite is a crowd-pleaser.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and enticing aromas elevate your dinner table instantly, impressing friends and family alike.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this dish as a hearty dinner or a fun addition to a game night spread.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping soy sauce for tamari or omitting honey for a vegan option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

500 g chicken breast fillets: Skinless and boneless chicken breast fillets are ideal as they marinate beautifully and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use chicken thighs for added juiciness.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Vegetable oil is great for cooking at high heat without smoking. Feel free to substitute with canola or peanut oil for an extra flavor boost.
2 tablespoons Sriracha: This spicy condiment gives a fantastic heat. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount, or use a sweet chili sauce instead.
0.5 teaspoon cornstarch (up to 1 teaspoon): This thickening agent ensures your sauce becomes delightfully sticky. You can skip it if it’s not available, but the sauce will be thinner.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds umami depth; use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels or tamari for gluten-free options.
1 tablespoon honey: The sweetness from honey counters the heat and results in a perfect glaze. Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and minced): Fresh ginger introduces warmth and brightness. If you’re in a pinch, ground ginger can work — just use less.
3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced): Garlic is essential for flavor depth, so don’t substitute it with garlic powder here. Fresh is best for that pungent kick.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds an extra punch of heat and color. Adjust to your taste, or use a mix of your favorite spices.
Steamed rice: This serves as a perfect complement to the spicy chicken, balancing flavors and providing a neutral base.
Tenderstem broccoli: Lightly steamed, this vegetable adds nutrition and a beautiful color pop. Feel free to swap in green beans or bok choy.
Dry roasted peanuts (chopped): These provide a delightful crunch and added flavor. For nut-free options, consider sunflower seeds.
Lime wedges: The zesty squeeze of lime brightens the dish and enhances its flavors — don’t skip this!
Green onions (sliced): For garnish, these lend freshness and crunch, making your dish look complete.

How to Make Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chili powder until silky. Cut the chicken breast fillets into strips and toss them into the mixture until fully coated. For maximum flavor, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; the longer, the better! This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that bold flavor.

Prepare Your Sides: While the chicken marinates, get your rice going according to package instructions, and set up your steamer for the tenderstem broccoli. As the rice bubbles and the broccoli steams, your kitchen will start to smell wonderful. Keep the broccoli warm after cooking; it will add a fresh contrast to the spicy chicken.

Heat the Skillet: Once the chicken has marinated, grab a cast iron or stainless steel skillet and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. This is the perfect moment to feel the excitement build as your cooking adventure begins!

Sauté the Chicken: Using tongs, lift the chicken strips out of the marinade and place them in the heated skillet. Be sure to reserve the marinade for later. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). The texture should be crispy but juicy inside!

Thicken the Sauce: Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Let it simmer for around 2 minutes, stirring until everything thickens into a beautiful, glossy sauce. This sticky coat on the chicken will make you want to reach for another bite. It’s all about that luscious finish!

Serve and Garnish: Time to plate! Scoop steaming rice onto each plate and pile the caramelized chicken on top. Add the tenderstem broccoli on the side, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and a few lime wedges. The colors should pop, creating a dish that’s just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the chicken cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken on a plate for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway. Keep in mind that the texture may alter slightly, but a quick drizzle of fresh lime juice will bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid steaming it. A good sizzle means it’s working!
If the sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a bit of water or chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
Don’t overcook the chicken — keep an eye out for that golden brown color for tender results.
Experiment with the level of spice by adjusting the Sriracha and chili powder to suit your personal taste.
For a quick weeknight meal, consider prepping the marinade in advance and marinating the chicken overnight.

Everything about this Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe celebrates the joy of flavorful cooking without the need for elaborate preparations. It’s a perfect dish to whip up on any given weeknight as you find comfort in those familiar tastes yet excite your palate with glorious heat. The table becomes a canvas for vibrant colors while aromas waft through the air comfortably, inviting smiles all around.

So, why not gather your ingredients and step into your kitchen? Take this 30-minute journey filled with spice, sweetness, and satisfaction. Enjoy every moment of cooking and share this delightful dish with friends and family!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will lend more juiciness to your dish due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs generally require a little longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What if I don’t have Sriracha?

No worries! If Sriracha isn’t available, you can substitute it with a different hot sauce, like Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a more authentic flavor or even a sweet chili sauce for a milder kick.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To create a vegan version of this dish, swap the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. You can marinate it just as you would the chicken, ensuring that you either leave out the honey or replace it with maple syrup to keep it plant-based.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! You can marinate the chicken the night before or even a few hours in advance. This makes for a super quick cooking time later on. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook!