Are you searching for that elusive weeknight dinner recipe that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal fuss? Look no further. This recipe for Gochujang-Glazed Chicken Thighs is your new secret weapon. It delivers the perfect trifecta of flavors: deeply savory, subtly sweet, and ever-so-gently spicy, all clinging to juicy, crispy-skinned chicken.
The magic here isn't just in the beloved Korean gochujang paste; it's in our secret weapon: Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce. While gochujang brings its own unique heat, our Mild sauce adds a more complex, rounded warmth. Its notes of roasted garlic and a hint of sweetness from mango and carrot weave seamlessly into the glaze, creating a gentle, building heat that enhances the dish without overpowering it. This is the perfect recipe for introducing a delightful kick to family meals, pleasing both spice newcomers and aficionados alike.
Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs - About 2-2.5 lbs total. Pat very dry with paper towels.
- 3 tbsp Gochujang Paste
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce - Low-sodium preferred.
- 2 tbsp Honey - Or brown sugar.
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce - Start with 1 tbsp for mild heat.
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic - Minced.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger - Grated.
- 1 tbsp Neutral Oil - Vegetable or avocado oil, for searing.
- For serving Garnishes: Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sliced Scallions
Instructions
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Make the Glaze and Marinate
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour about one-third of the glaze over the chicken, reserving the rest. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
The glossy, vibrant glaze combines traditional Korean flavors with Scorpion Gourmet's signature heat. -
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Use paper towels to pat the skin completely dry—this is the secret to crispy skin! Discard the used marinade.
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Sear to Crispy Perfection
Heat the neutral oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Sear without moving them for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
That crispy skin texture is essential - it creates the perfect foundation for our flavorful glaze. -
Flip and Add Glaze
Flip the chicken thighs so they are skin-side up. Pour the reserved, fresh glaze over and around the chicken in the skillet.
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Finish in the Oven
Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. In the last 3-5 minutes, you can brush the thighs with the bubbling glaze in the pan for an extra-sticky finish.
The oven finish creates a beautifully caramelized glaze that locks in moisture and flavor. -
Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Pro Tips
- Crispy Skin is Key: The most important step is to pat the chicken skin bone-dry before searing. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Don't Burn the Glaze: The honey and gochujang can burn. Adding the main glaze *after* searing and finishing in the oven prevents this, creating a caramelized, not charred, finish.
- Trust the Thermometer: For perfectly juicy chicken, use an instant-read thermometer. Pull the chicken at 165°F (74°C).
- Taste and Adjust: Balance is everything. After making the glaze, taste it! You can add a touch more honey for sweetness or another dash of Scorpion sauce for more warmth.
Recipe Variations
- Spice It Up: For a mixed crowd, make the recipe as is. Serve with a bottle of Scorpion Gourmet Hot or Extra Hot sauce on the side for those who want to dial up the heat individually.
- Different Protein: This glaze is fantastic on chicken wings (bake at 400°F for 40-45 mins), drumsticks, or even salmon fillets (reduce baking time to 8-12 mins).
- Stovetop Only: Don't have an oven-safe skillet? After searing, reduce the heat to low, add the glaze, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these glorious chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the delicious glaze. A simple, quick-pickled cucumber salad (thinly sliced cucumbers with a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt) is the perfect cool, crisp counterpoint to the rich, savory-spicy chicken. Steamed broccoli or bok choy also make excellent side dishes.
Conclusion
This recipe beautifully illustrates how a touch of well-crafted heat can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary. Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce proves that spice doesn't have to be intimidating; it can be a subtle, flavor-enhancing friend that makes every bite more interesting. This is the perfect 'gateway' recipe to exploring the world of spicy food. We encourage you to try this versatile sauce in other marinades, dressings, and dips. And when you're ready for more, remember to explore the entire Scorpion Heat Chart to continue your flavorful journey!
