Zesty Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches Recipe for Spicy Cravings

Crispy, juicy gochujang chicken sandwiches pack a flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Korean chili paste brings bold, spicy notes to this incredible meal.

Layers of tangy, creamy sauce complement the perfectly seasoned meat.

Soft brioche buns cradle each delectable bite, creating a harmony of textures.

Crunchy pickles and fresh herbs add vibrant contrast to the rich chicken.

Quick and simple preparation means you can whip up this restaurant-worthy sandwich in minutes.

Come hungry and get ready to experience a seriously delicious culinary adventure!

Reasons to Try Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Spice Up Your Meal: Gochujang chicken sandwiches deliver a bold, tangy kick that transforms an ordinary sandwich into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust toppings and spice levels to suit individual preferences, making this recipe perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Learn professional-level breading techniques that create a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful inside.
• Korean-Inspired Comfort: Bring international cuisine to your home kitchen with a simple yet impressive recipe that introduces exciting new flavor profiles to traditional sandwich lovers.

Ingredients for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the spicy and sweet marinade for a delicious sandwich filling.

• Gochujang: Korean red chili paste that provides a spicy and slightly sweet flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the marinade.
• Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and robust taste to the marinade.

• Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken.
• Egg: Helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives a light and crispy texture to the fried chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken to golden perfection.

• Sandwich Buns: Provides the base for the sandwich.
• Lettuce, Cucumber, Pickled Carrots, Jalapenos: Fresh and tangy toppings that add crunch and additional flavor layers.

Instructions for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Gochujang
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic

Submerge chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated. Seal and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors dance and mingle.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Coating Station

• First dish: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
• Second dish: Whisk eggs until smooth
• Third dish: Pour panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Crunchy Layer

Retrieve marinated chicken and carefully dredge each piece through the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten egg, allowing any drips to fall away. Finally, roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

• Crispy fried chicken
• Fresh shredded lettuce
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Tangy pickled carrots
• Spicy sliced jalapenos (optional)

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate your incredible Korean-inspired chicken sandwiches and get ready to experience a flavor explosion. Pair with a cold drink or your favorite side dish for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Pro Tips for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in the gochujang mixture longer for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Crisp Coating Trick: Pat chicken completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy breading.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent oil heat around 350-375°F for perfectly golden, crispy chicken.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Swap regular gochujang with mild or hot versions to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.

Variation Ideas for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, and ensure all sauces are gluten-free certified.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, maintaining the same marinating and breading technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Baked Lighter Option: Instead of frying, coat chicken in breadcrumbs and bake at 425F for 20-25 minutes, turning once, to reduce oil content while keeping crispy texture.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Increase gochujang quantity for extra heat, add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to breading mix, and incorporate kimchi as a topping for authentic Korean flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Spice-Balancing Beverage Pairing: Crisp Korean rice beer (Makgeolli) cuts through the sandwich's bold gochujang heat while complementing its tangy Korean flavors perfectly.
• Cooling Flavor Companion: Cucumber-mint yogurt smoothie neutralizes the spicy chicken's intensity and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Texture-Enhancing Side Option: Pickled daikon radish salad adds crisp acidity that brightens the sandwich's rich, crunchy breaded chicken and balances its deep umami profile.
• Complementary Drink Choice: Citrus-infused soju cocktail echoes the sandwich's complex sweet-spicy notes while offering a light, zingy alcohol complement that enhances the overall eating experience.

Storage Advice for Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• Store cooled sandwich components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken, breading, and vegetables apart to maintain crispiness. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Restore crispiness by removing foil during last 2-3 minutes.

FAQs About Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches

• What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that adds spicy, sweet, and savory flavors to the chicken marinade. It’s a key ingredient that gives the sandwich its unique and bold taste profile.

• Can I use chicken breast or thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Both work well with the marinade and breading process. Thighs tend to be more juicy and flavorful, while breasts are leaner.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Gochujang Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 48-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean gochujang chicken sandwiches deliver a flavor explosion of tangy, sweet, and fiery notes. Crispy chicken nestled in pillowy buns creates a perfect handheld meal that sparks culinary excitement for adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil

Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare three separate breading stations: first with seasoned flour mixture (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper), second with beaten egg, third with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Remove marinated chicken and drain excess liquid. Methodically coat each piece first in flour, then egg wash, finally generously cover with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to medium-high temperature (around 350°F). Carefully place breaded chicken pieces, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispy texture.
7. Lightly toast sandwich buns for enhanced flavor and texture.
8. Construct sandwiches by layering crispy chicken on buns, then top with fresh shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, pickled carrots, and optional jalapeño rounds.
9. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy, accompanied by your preferred side dishes or beverages.

Notes

• Enhance marinade depth by adding grated ginger or minced shallots for extra complexity and aromatic layers.
• Ensure chicken reaches precise internal temperature using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option.
• Control spice level by adjusting gochujang quantity or selecting mild/hot variant based on personal heat tolerance and preference.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (4-5 minutes per side frying)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 228 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 474 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg