Looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners? This Gochujang Chicken Sandwich is the answer. It’s bold, spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, delivering a perfect blend of Korean-inspired flavors and classic comfort food. Whether you’re craving a quick family meal, a healthy comfort food option, or just something that packs a flavor punch, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. The crispy chicken coated in a rich gochujang glaze, paired with a creamy sauce and crunchy toppings, is the kind of meal that leaves you craving more.
Best of all, it’s simple to make and works great whether you’re pan-searing, air frying, or cooking the chicken in the oven. So let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the bold, spicy flavors of Korean cuisine with the comfort of a hearty sandwich, this recipe is for you. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this Gochujang Chicken Sandwich:
- It brings together the delicious heat of gochujang with savory chicken and crunchy toppings.
- You can customize the level of spice to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of gochujang.
- The crispy chicken, creamy mayo, and tangy toppings create a mouthwatering contrast of textures that’s truly satisfying.
- This sandwich is the perfect option for quick family meals, whether you’re prepping dinner for the week or serving it at a casual gathering.
- Whether you fry, grill, or air fry the chicken, it’s easy to make and just as tasty.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What truly sets this sandwich apart is the combination of bold flavors, crispy chicken, and creamy sauce. The gochujang glaze brings that signature sweet, spicy, and savory punch that is both comforting and exciting. The chicken itself, marinated in this flavorful glaze, becomes juicy and tender on the inside with a crispy exterior. Paired with the crunch of fresh lettuce, pickles, or kimchi, this sandwich hits all the right notes.
And let’s not forget about the buns. Toasted to perfection, they hold all the toppings together while adding that extra bit of delicious crunch. Whether you go for classic brioche buns or soft potato rolls, they’re the perfect vessel for this Korean-inspired sandwich.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper
- Potato starch or cornstarch (for dredging)
- Buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, pickles or kimchi, mayonnaise or gochujang mayo
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a little oil. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, making sure they’re well coated in the marinade. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if you have the time. - Coat and Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, dredge each piece in potato starch or cornstarch. This adds extra crispiness to the chicken. Cook the chicken by frying, pan-searing, or air frying until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Depending on your method, this will take around 4-6 minutes per side. - Prepare the Glaze
In a pan, combine more gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let it simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly. Brush the glaze over the hot chicken, or toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. - Assemble the Sandwich
Toast your buns in a pan with a little butter or oil until golden and crispy. Spread mayonnaise or gochujang mayo on each side of the buns. Layer on the lettuce or slaw, add the glazed chicken, and finish off with pickles or kimchi for that extra tangy crunch. - Serve Hot
Serve your sandwich hot, with the chicken crispy and the glaze warm. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to impress!
Tips for Best Results
- For the crispiest chicken, make sure to dredge it in enough potato starch or cornstarch. This creates a beautiful, crunchy coating that will hold up even with the glaze.
- If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but marinating for a few hours or overnight will give you even more flavor.
- Toasting the buns with a little butter gives them that golden, crispy edge and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step—it makes all the difference!
- If you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add extra gochujang to the mayo for a creamy, fiery kick.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to pound them thin so they cook evenly.
- Gluten-Free: To make this sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free gochujang, soy sauce, and buns. You can also try a lettuce wrap instead of buns for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
- Vegan: For a vegan option, substitute the chicken with a plant-based chicken alternative or crispy tofu. Use vegan mayo and ensure that your buns are dairy-free.
- Cheese: If you want to add some richness, consider melting a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese over the chicken before assembling the sandwich.
- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of gochujang and balance it out with a little extra honey or sugar to mellow the spiciness.
Serving Suggestions
This Gochujang Chicken Sandwich is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Crispy Fries – Serve with your favorite homemade fries or sweet potato wedges for a comforting side.
- Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the spiced-up chicken. It balances out the heat and adds another layer of texture.
- Cucumber Salad – Lighten things up with a cool, refreshing cucumber salad. Its crispness complements the richness of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables – For a healthier side, try grilling up some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: A cold, refreshing drink is the perfect complement to this spicy sandwich. Try pairing it with iced tea, sparkling water, or even a chilled beer. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda is a great way to cut the heat.
- Sides: If you’re looking for a hearty side, opt for roasted sweet potatoes or crispy potato wedges. They add a satisfying sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely with how tasty this sandwich is!), store the chicken separately from the buns and toppings. This keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy buns.
- Refrigeration: Keep the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the crispiest chicken, reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Reassemble the sandwich fresh before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, making this a perfect meal prep option. You can also make the gochujang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to make a batch of sandwiches in advance, cook the chicken and freeze it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or air fryer and assemble the sandwiches fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Marinating Long Enough: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination (up to 2 hours) allows the flavors to really sink in.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as this can make it dry. If you’re pan-frying or air frying, keep an eye on the chicken so it stays juicy and crispy.
- Skipping the Toasted Buns: Toasting the buns makes a huge difference in the texture of the sandwich. Don’t skip this step—it gives your sandwich the perfect crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste made from fermented chili, glutinous rice, and soybeans. It has a rich, spicy-sweet flavor that adds depth to dishes like this sandwich.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! You can reduce the amount of gochujang in the marinade and glaze if you prefer a milder sandwich. Adding a little extra honey or sugar can also balance the heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they’re leaner than thighs, so they might not be as juicy. Make sure to pound the breasts thin so they cook evenly.
Is this sandwich gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free gochujang, soy sauce, and buns. Otherwise, it’s not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and buns.
How do I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free bun and swap out regular mayo for vegan mayo. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls for marinating and preparing the slaw
- Skillet or air fryer for cooking the chicken
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken
- Pan for toasting the buns
- Small saucepan for making the glaze
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Gochujang Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 brioche buns buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- as needed butter or oil for toasting buns
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until it is caramelized and cooked through. Alternatively, you can air fry the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- While the chicken is cooking, butter the buns and toast them in a pan until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lime juice. Toss the shredded cabbage, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds in a separate bowl to make the slaw.
- Assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on the toasted buns, adding the crispy chicken, and topping with the slaw. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
