Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheesy Topping
A delightful dish featuring spicy marinated chicken topped with gooey melted cheese, balancing bold flavors with comforting textures.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with chicken breasts if desired.
- 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean hot pepper flakes) Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste, hot variety)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice syrup (or honey/corn syrup)
- 2-3 spicy Korean chili peppers, chopped Or substitute with other small spicy red chilies.
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or chicken stock Use stock for more flavor.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional) Can substitute with other types of cheese.
For Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- Extra hot pepper flakes Optional, for added spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice syrup, chopped chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until a thick paste forms.
- Add the chopped chicken thighs to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Cooking
- Heat a large oven-proof pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with any leftover marinade and the water or chicken stock.
- Cover the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce begins to reduce.
- Remove the lid, set your oven to BROIL, and generously top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to brown, creating a delicious cheesy topping.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, sprinkle extra hot pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
For deeper flavors, consider marinating the chicken overnight. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of gochugaru or chilies. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or green beans can enhance both texture and flavor. Serve with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.