Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 15 min cook

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp gochujang paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cups cooked short-grain white rice
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces; season lightly with the kosher salt. In a medium bowl whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
2. 2Add the chicken pieces to the gochujang mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables and warm the rice.
3. 3Heat the neutral oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, reserving any leftover marinade in the bowl.
4. 4Cook the chicken undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the undersides are deeply caramelized and slightly charred at the edges. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until cooked through and the glaze is sticky.
5. 5Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy coating that clings to the chicken. Remove from heat.
6. 6Warm the cooked rice if needed and divide it among 4 lunch bowls. Arrange a generous scoop of gochujang chicken over each portion of rice.
7. 7Tuck cucumber slices and shredded carrots beside the chicken. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
8. 8Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, or pack into meal-prep containers with the fresh vegetables on the side so they stay crisp for next-day lunches.
9. 9If reheating later, microwave the rice and chicken 60–90 seconds until steaming, then add the cool cucumber and carrots just before eating.