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    Home » Easy Dinner Recipes

    Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken

    Published: Aug 6, 2024 · Modified: Feb 15, 2022 by Deborah Rainford · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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    Spicy Korean chicken with rice in a bowl.

    This Korean chicken recipe is a quick and flavourful meal. Marinated in a spicy blend of Sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic, it's served with steamed rice and tenderstem broccoli. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for busy weeknights.

    Korean chicken with spicy sauce in a bowl with broccoli and rice.

    You'll also love my sweet and sour chicken, sticky chicken, crispy honey chilli chicken, and crispy Chinese lemon chicken.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why this recipe works
    • 🧾 Ingredients overview
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
    • 📖 Variations
    • 💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
    • 🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
    • ❓Recipe FAQ's
    • Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken

    ⭐️ Why this recipe works

    • Flavourful Marinade: The combination of Sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger and garlic creates a complex, spicy, and sweet flavour profile.
    • Quick Cooking Time: Chicken breast strips cook quickly, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
    • Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to use different cuts of chicken or even other proteins like tofu or shrimp.
    • Healthy Ingredients: Lean chicken breast, steamed vegetables, and minimal oil make this a nutritious option.
    • Meal Prep Friendly: Marinating the chicken ahead of time allows for easy meal prep and quick assembly.

    🧾 Ingredients overview

    Aldi ingredients for Korean chicken on a tray.
    • Chicken breast fillets: Provides lean protein.
    • Vegetable oil: Used for marinating and cooking the chicken, adds moisture and helps in browning.
    • Sriracha: Adds heat and a hint of sweetness.
    • Cornstarch: Helps in creating a glossy, thick sauce.
    • Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
    • Honey: Balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness.
    • Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight peppery flavour.
    • Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, savoury taste.
    • Chili powder: Enhances the spiciness and adds depth.
    • Steamed rice: Serves as a neutral base to absorb the flavours.
    • Tenderstem broccoli: Adds a crunchy texture and nutritional value.
    • Dry roasted peanuts: Provides a crunchy topping with a nutty flavour.
    • Lime wedges: Adds a refreshing, tangy finish.
    • Green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavour.

      For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

    Spicy Korean Chicken recipe step-by-step
    Making the marinade for the chicken and the sauce.
    1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and chilli powder. Whisk well to blend. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
    2. Prepare the Sides: While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Steam the tenderstem broccoli until tender. Set aside, keeping both the rice and broccoli warm.
    Pan searing the chicken and reducing the sauce for the dish.
    1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, lift the chicken out of the marinade and place it in the hot skillet. Reserve the marinade. Sauté the chicken for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
    2. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a shiny, sticky sauce.
    3. Serve: Serve the chicken over steamed rice. Top with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and lime wedges. Add the steamed tenderstem broccoli on the side.

    📖 Variations

    • Protein: Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
    • Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha and chilli powder to increase or decrease the spiciness.
    • Sweetness: Replace honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweet note.
    • Vegetables: Use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy instead of broccoli.
    • Grains: Serve with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles instead of steamed rice.

    💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

    Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

    • Charcoal Grilling: Use a charcoal grill for an authentic smoky flavour that mirrors traditional Korean BBQ.
    • Citrus Zest: Add a touch of citrus zest (like lime or orange) to the marinade for a subtle, bright flavor.
    • Seasoned Flour Coating: Coat the chicken in seasoned flour before marinating to enhance the crust and flavor.

    🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

    • Fridge: Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.

    ❓Recipe FAQ's

    Can I use store-bought Korean sauces?

    Yes, using store-bought gochujang or bulgogi sauce can save time and still provide authentic Korean flavors.

    How do I achieve a glossy sauce?

    Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the sauce during simmering to achieve a glossy, thick consistency.

    How can I make the sauce thicker?

    If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it longer or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).

    Looking for other Asian chicken recipes like this? Try these:

    • Easy sweet and sour chicken with peppers and pineapple on a white plate.
      The BEST Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken
    • Peanut butter chicken with herbs and chillies over a bed of white rice.
      Easy 30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken
    • Sticky chicken with peppers and peanuts in a bowl with rice.
      Quick and Easy Sticky Chicken
    • Easy 30-Minute Crispy Chilli Chicken

    If you tried this Spicy Korean Chicken please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!

    For more recipe ideas, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and join our exclusive Facebook group.

    For meal planning assistance, check out our weekly Aldi-only meal plans, free for subscribers.

    Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.

    Korean chicken with spicy sauce in a bowl with broccoli and rice.

    Easy 30 Minute Spicy Korean Chicken

    Easy Korean chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. Marinated in a spicy and savoury blend, this chicken dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and tenderstem broccoli.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
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    Author: Deborah Rainford

    Ingredients

    • 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast fillets, or chicken breast, cut into strips

    Marinade

    • 45 ml (3 tablespoon) vegetable oil, divided
    • 30 ml (2 tablespoon) Sriracha
    • 1-2 g cornstarch, ½ - 1 teaspoon
    • 2 tablespoon (2 tablespoon) soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 2.5 cm piece ginger, peeled and minced
    • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder

    For Serving

    • Steamed rice
    • Steamed tenderstem broccoli
    • Dry roasted peanuts, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Green onions, sliced

    Instructions

    Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a small bowl, combine 30 ml vegetable oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili powder. Whisk well to blend.
    • Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

    Prepare the Sides:

    • While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
    • Steam the tenderstem broccoli until tender. Set aside, keeping both the rice and broccoli warm.

    Cook the Chicken:

    • Heat the remaining 15 ml of vegetable oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Using tongs, lift the chicken out of the marinade and place it in the hot skillet. Reserve the marinade.
    • Sauté the chicken for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
    • Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a shiny, sticky sauce.

    Serve:

    • Serve the chicken over steamed rice.
    • Top with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and lime wedges. Add the steamed tenderstem broccoli on the side.

    Notes

    • Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavour. If you're short on time, you can cook the chicken immediately after coating it in the sauce.
    • Broccoli Alternative: If tenderstem broccoli is unavailable, regular broccoli or another green vegetable can be substituted.
    • Adjusting Spice: Reduce the amount of Sriracha and chili powder for a milder dish.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 809mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag Me @savvybites or tag #savvybites!
    Head shot of Deborah Rainford
    Meet the Chef!

    Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.

    Learn more about me →

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dua

      May 29, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      Still haven't had the chance to have my tea yet and this rate there won't be any left... Even though I made a double recipe...
      Kids keep asking for more 😀

      Reply
    2. Geena

      March 03, 2022 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Loved how easy this recipe was. Absolutely perfect for a quick weeknight!

      Reply
      • Deborah Rainford

        March 08, 2022 at 1:21 pm

        Thanks so much for leaving a rating and comment. It's so appreciated!

        Reply
    3. Krystyna

      October 19, 2021 at 10:58 am

      hi, will swapping the peanuts for cashew nuts work ok?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Deborah Thompson

        October 19, 2021 at 11:32 am

        Absolutely! Cashews would be amazing here. Hope you love this recipe.

        Reply
    4. Jessica

      October 17, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      I can't get the recipe. When I click the jump to recipe link it shows me a brownie recipe not the korean chicken recipe. TY

      Reply
      • Deborah Thompson

        October 17, 2021 at 7:11 pm

        I am so sorry! Somehow I switched the brownie and the Korean chicken recipes! It's been updated now. Thanks so much.

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Spicy Korean chicken with rice in a bowl.

    Hi, I'm Deborah! A Cordon Bleu graduate with more than 10 years of restaurant cooking experience. I now focus on helping you create easy, delicious and healthy(ish) budget recipes from scratch using only Aldi ingredients. Welcome to my virtual kitchen!

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