This High-Protein Saucy Gochujang Chicken is one of those dishes that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and something you can actually feel good about eating. Don’t let the looks deceive you on this one! The thick glaze can make you think there’s no way it’s high in protein… but it is!
The chicken is seared until golden and juicy, then coated in a bold, sticky gochujang-based sauce that clings to every bite. It’s spicy, slightly sweet, savory, and just rich enough to feel indulgent – without needing a heavy cream or butter base.
What makes this version stand out is that it’s built with protein in mind. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps everything tender and flavorful, while still giving you a solid protein foundation. You get that glossy, restaurant-style finish, but in a way that still fits into a balanced, high-protein meal.
It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with simple veggies to let the sauce really shine. Either way, it delivers big flavor in every bite. Let’s get into how to make it!
Ingredients:
• Chicken Thighs: juicy, tender, and protein-rich, they stay flavorful and hold up perfectly to a bold, sticky sauce
• Gochujang: the key flavor base, bringing sweet heat, deep chili flavor, and umami richness
• Gochugaru: adds a more nuanced, smoky heat that layers complexity without overwhelming spice
• Soy Sauce: builds savory depth and balances the sweetness in the sauceHoney: gives subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating
• Bone Broth: lightens the sauce while adding savory depth and a bit of extra protein-friendly richness
• Rice Vinegar: adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich, spicy flavors
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce into a clingy glaze that coats the chicken evenly
• Green Onions: add freshness, mild sharpness, and a clean finish that cuts through the richness
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang adds an incredible depth of flavor with its signature blend of heat, sweetness, and umami. Made from red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and salt, gochujang brings a spicy kick. This thick, vibrant red paste has a unique fermentation process that gives it a slight tang and an earthy quality, similar to that of miso or soy sauce but with a touch of sweetness from the glutinous rice.
In Korean cooking, gochujang is a beloved staple, used in everything from stews and marinades to dipping sauces. Its versatility has made it popular in fusion dishes, adding a unique Korean twist and depth to many cuisines.
Love Korean flavors? Here are some more recipes to try!
High-Protein Saucy Gochujang Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
A sticky, spicy-sweet high-protein chicken dish coated in a glossy gochujang sauce that’s bold, comforting, and perfect for meal prep.
Many people have different sauce preferences. Know that this dish is quite sauce-heavy! If you want it to have less sauce, I recommend decreasing the bone broth and cornstarch by half.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp oil (for cooking)
- 3 green onions
- 1/2 cup bone broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1/2 tbsp gochugaru (adjust to spice preference)
- 3/4 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together bone broth, rice vinegar, gochujang, gochugaru, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth and fully combined.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 – 8 minutes.
- While your chicken is cooking, chop your green onions into two-inch pieces.
- Pour the sauce directly into the pan with the chicken. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Toss in your green onions.
- Let simmer for 2 – 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken.
- Serve hot over rice or vegetables, and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 35
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