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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.

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