Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites– Bold Flavor, Smart Cooking

437kcal /serving
39g /serving
24g /serving

Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites will become your new favorite if you crave for something that is irresistibly bold, spicy, and sweet all at once. This dish brings together the depth of Korean chili paste (Gochujang), the subtle smokiness of paprika, and the golden sweetness of hot honey – all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken thighs. And the best part? It’s not just a flavor bomb, but also a dish that resonates beautifully with balanced eating, gut-friendly spices, and our guiding philosophy: Feast Big; Stay Fit.

🥄 Effortless Preparation – Simplicity at Its Best

One of the best things about this Peach Banana Frozen Yogurt is how incredibly easy it is to make. Just slice, freeze, and blend; that’s it. Unlike store-bought ice creams or frozen yogurts filled with artificial additives, preservatives, and loads of refined sugar, this recipe keeps things clean, natural, and wholesome.

The freezing method locks in freshness while creating a creamy, soft-serve texture when blended. Adding a splash of milk allows you to control consistency, giving you the choice between a quick soft serve or a firmer frozen scoop. This means you’re in control of both flavor and texture, without any compromises.

⚡ Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

One of the highlights of this recipe is how effortless it is. With just a few steps – broiling, tossing in sauce, and finishing under high heat, you get a restaurant-worthy plate right at home. Unlike deep-fried versions of chicken bites, these are broiled, meaning far less oil without sacrificing crunch or caramelization. The short prep time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick gathering snack.

🌶️ The Power of Spices for Flavor & Digestion

Gojuchang is more than just spice. This Korean paste is a fermented blend of chili peppers, rice, and soybeans, which not only gives a deep umami kick but also introduces gut-friendly probiotics. Smoked paprika adds warmth without overwhelming heat, while lemon juice lightens the dish and aids digestion.

Garlic and chili compounds present in Gochujang naturally stimulate digestion, helping the stomach break down protein-rich meals like chicken. Hot honey, with its balance of sweetness and spice, doesn’t just add glaze and shine; its antimicrobial properties make it soothing for the throat and metabolism. Together, this spice blend makes the dish aromatic, flavorful, and digestion-friendly.

💪 A Dish That Fits Into Disease-Control Diets

What makes these chicken bites special is that they align with many mindful eating practices:

  • Low-carb friendly: With no breading or flour, this recipe works well for those on low-carb or ketogenic-inspired diets.

  • Weight management: By broiling instead of frying, the fat content is reduced, making it suitable for those seeking flavorful yet lighter meals.

  • Heart health: Using avocado oil or canola oil ensures heart-healthy fats, while limiting excess butter makes it more balanced.

  • Diabetic-conscious diets: While honey does add natural sugars, portion control makes this dish manageable for people balancing blood sugar, plus the protein-rich chicken provides satiety.

  • Digestive support: Fermented Gojuchang paste introduces natural probiotics, while lemon helps the digestive process.

This recipe proves that people with dietary restrictions don’t need to give up bold flavors. Instead, they can enjoy a dish that’s smartly crafted to nourish while satisfying cravings.

🍯 Best Outcome of the Cooking Method

Broiling is the hero here. Unlike pan-frying, broiling cooks at high heat from above, creating crispy, charred edges while sealing in moisture inside the chicken. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the meat, producing glossy, sticky bites with layered textures – tender inside, slightly crisp outside, and coated with a rich glaze.

✨ Feast Big; Stay Fit

This dish perfectly mirrors our FeastyFit philosophy: you don’t need to compromise on taste to eat well. The Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites are indulgent in flavor yet mindful in preparation — no deep-frying, balanced spice, protein-forward, and adaptable to different dietary lifestyles. You can serve them as a main with roasted veggies, pair them with a light salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer — all while staying aligned with your health goals.

So, when you crave something fiery yet balanced, this recipe lets you feast big while staying fit.

Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites

Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites

There’s something about the first bite of Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites that instantly wakes up every taste bud. The fiery kick of fermented chili paste, the smoky whispers of paprika, and the golden drizzle of hot honey all collide in a way that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light. It’s not greasy, not heavy - just a clean, bold flavor that lingers in the best way possible.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a short marinade and a quick broil, you get chicken that’s juicy inside, beautifully charred outside, and wrapped in a glossy glaze that’s hard to resist. There’s no deep frying, no heavy coating — just smart cooking that lets the ingredients shine while keeping the dish nourishing.
What makes it even more exciting is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re someone watching carbs, keeping fats in check, or simply trying to eat more balanced meals, this recipe works. The probiotics in Gochujang support gut health, lemon brightens digestion, and the lean protein keeps you full without weighing you down.
It’s proof that food can be fiery, fun, and fitness-friendly at the same time. These bites don’t just belong at the dinner table — they belong in your weekly rotation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Party Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Asian Fusion, Global Contemporary, Korean, Korean Inspired
Calories: 437kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 6 pieces Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless
  • 2 tbsp Canola Oil neutral oil other option is Avocado oil
  • 3/4 tsp Sea salt divided
  • 3 tbsp Gochujang Paste Korean Chili Paste
  • 3 tbsp Hot Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter cubed
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp Fresh Cilantro finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Oven
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Oven tray
  • 1 Microwave safe Bowl
  • 1 Serving Platter
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Hot Honey Gochujang Chicken Bites
Amount per Serving
Calories
437
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Trans Fat
 
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
213
mg
71
%
Sodium
 
618
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
555
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
14
g
16
%
Protein
 
39
g
78
%
Vitamin A
 
460
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
25
mg
3
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cooking Intructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to broil with the rack in the upper third position.
  2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  3. Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons oil and ½ teaspoon salt on the prepared baking sheet.
    2 tbsp Canola Oil, 6 pieces Chicken Thighs
  4. Spread in a single layer (leave space between pieces).
  5. Broil for about 7 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons hot honey, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon salt together.
    3 tbsp Gochujang Paste, 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  7. Microwave on High for 1 minute, until bubbling.
  8. Add 3 tablespoons butter (cubed) + 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
    3 tbsp Unsalted Butter cubed, 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  9. Stir until butter melts smoothly.
  10. Transfer 1 ½ tablespoons of this sauce to a small bowl (for brushing later).
  11. Toss the broiled chicken into the gochujang mixture until evenly coated.
  12. Discard excess liquid from the baking sheet, then return chicken in a single layer.
  13. Broil again for 3–4 minutes, until chicken is glossy, browned, and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  14. Move chicken to a serving platter.
  15. Spoon any unburned sauce from foil onto the chicken.
  16. Brush with the reserved 1 ½ tablespoons sauce.
  17. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon honey.
  18. Sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons cilantro.
  19. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

Here are some extra notes:
Chicken Options - Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but you can use chicken breast for a leaner, low-fat version. If using breast, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
Spice Control - Gochujang has a natural heat. If you prefer a milder version, reduce gochujang to 2 tablespoons and increase honey by 1 tablespoon. For extra kick, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.
Honey Variations - Use regular honey + a few drops of hot sauce if hot honey isn’t available. Maple syrup or agave can also work if you want a different sweet balance.
Oven Tips - Keep a close eye during broiling. Gochujang has natural sugars that caramelize quickly and can burn. Line your tray with foil for easy cleanup.
Serving Suggestions - Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal. Also pairs beautifully with cucumber salad or pickled veggies to cool down the heat.
Make-Ahead & Storage - Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispiness (avoid microwave for texture).
The sauce can be made ahead and stored separately for 1 week.
Diet-Friendly Adjustments -
  • Low-carb/Keto: Replace honey with sugar-free hot honey or a blend of erythritol + chili flakes.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure your gojuchang paste is gluten-free (some brands use wheat).
  • Low-sodium: Skip the extra salt and use unsalted butter.

👍 Tried this recipe? 🍽️

Let us know how it was!
Share this recipe:
Picture of Ratindra Nath Pande

Ratindra Nath Pande

Ratindra Nath Pande is a certified dietitian and tech entrepreneur passionate about making healthy living both accessible and enjoyable. With expertise in nutrition and dietetics, he focuses on helping individuals make smarter food choices that fuel long-term wellness.

As the founder of Kya Banau, Ratindra combines culinary creativity with cutting-edge AI to simplify daily cooking decisions. His “Taste Mapper” technology personalises meal planning by adapting to evolving tastes and health goals, turning everyday meals into a journey toward better health.

Previously, he co-founded NuShala, a digital platform that empowered over 400,000 schools through technology-driven solutions, reflecting his ability to blend innovation with meaningful impact. His background in computer science and years of experience in AI, data science, and cloud platforms allow him to create scalable solutions that bridge technology with everyday needs.

Through his work, Ratindra continues to inspire readers to embrace nutrition-first lifestyles, supported by practical recipes and smart tech enablers. Whether guiding families on healthy eating or designing tools that ease modern living, his mission is clear: Empower people to live healthier, happier lives through the perfect mix of food, science, and innovation.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating