20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken: Irresistible Crispy Goodness

Name: 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs boneless skin on; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 tbsp (60 ml) cornstarch; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Korean red chili paste gochujang; 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce; 6-8 cloves garlic minced; 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey; 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame seeds; 3 tbsp (45 ml) water; 1-2 tbsp (23 ml) vegetable oil for frying; 1-2 stalks green onion chopped, for garnish; 4 chicken thighs boneless skin on; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 tbsp (60 ml) cornstarch; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Korean red chili paste gochujang; 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce; 6-8 cloves garlic minced; 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey; 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame seeds; 3 tbsp (45 ml) water; 1-2 tbsp (23 ml) vegetable oil for frying; 1-2 stalks green onion chopped, for garnish

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I remember the first time I experimented with a 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken recipe. It was a hectic weekday evening, and I needed something quick yet flavorful to bring the family together. As I rummaged through my pantry, the bold flavors of Korean red chili paste and garlic caught my eye. These simple ingredients transformed a regular dinner into something extraordinary.

Creating a delicious meal in just 20 minutes seemed almost impossible, but this 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken proved me wrong. The aroma of garlic mingling with the sweet and spicy gochujang filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. It was a testament to how simple ingredients could elevate a dish, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

As someone who believes that good food brings people together, this recipe became a staple in our household. The crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, spicy glaze were an instant hit. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, a homemade meal can be both quick and satisfying. Let’s dive into how you can bring this spicy garlic delight to your table.

20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken

Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Korean

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Description

Learn how to make flavorful 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken that will spice up your dinner routine. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs boneless skin on
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 tbsp (60 ml) cornstarch
2 tbsp (30 ml) Korean red chili paste gochujang
3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
6–8 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame seeds
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
1–2 tbsp (23 ml) vegetable oil for frying
1–2 stalks green onion chopped, for garnish
4 chicken thighs boneless skin on
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 tbsp (60 ml) cornstarch
2 tbsp (30 ml) Korean red chili paste gochujang
3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
6–8 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame seeds
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
1–2 tbsp (23 ml) vegetable oil for frying
1–2 stalks green onion chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the four chicken thighs. Dust each thigh with cornstarch, removing any surplus.
Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Place the chicken in, starting with the skin side, and cook for about 6 minutes on each side until the exterior is crispy and the chicken is fully done. Take out and set aside.
Using the same pan, combine Korean red chili paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, sesame seeds, and water. Stir and let it cook gently for approximately 30 seconds.
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce and continue to cook for an additional minute on each side until the sauce thickens and shines.
Sprinkle with chopped green onion and additional sesame seeds if preferred. Serve hot alongside steamed rice!

Notes

Ensure to remove any excess cornstarch from the chicken thighs before cooking to avoid a powdery texture in the final dish. Adjust the amount of Korean red chili paste to your spice preference for a more or less spicy flavor. Coat each chicken thigh evenly with the sauce to ensure a flavorful and well-balanced dish.

Creating 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken

Fundamentals

The key to the perfect 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken lies in simplicity. Start with boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, which provide a juicy and flavorful base. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural taste. The magic begins with a light dusting of cornstarch, which creates a crispy exterior once fried.

Preparation/setup

Begin by prepping all your ingredients before heating the skillet. Have your soy sauce, honey, and Korean red chili paste ready to go. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions for garnish. This mise en place approach ensures a smooth cooking process and allows you to focus on perfecting the dish.

Mastering the Spicy Garlic Chicken Technique

Technique

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until fully done. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Tips/tricks

For an extra crispy finish, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain an even heat. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang. For a less spicy version, reduce the chili paste and add a touch more honey for sweetness.

Perfecting Your Spicy Garlic Chicken

Perfecting results

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same pan, combine the Korean red chili paste, soy sauce, garlic, honey, sesame seeds, and water. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken back to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. For those who enjoy experimenting, try adding ginger or a splash of lime juice for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can explore different protein options for variety, like tofu or shrimp.

Presenting and Pairing Your Spicy Garlic Chicken

Serving/presentation

Garnish your 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken with chopped green onions and additional sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Serve hot with steamed rice or a fresh salad. The vibrant presentation will impress both family and guests alike.

Pairings/storage

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of vegetables, like steamed broccoli or a honey garlic chicken and green beans. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

The 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken is a testament to how you can create a flavorful meal in a short amount of time. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward technique, you can bring a delicious dinner to your table any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish’s versatility and taste make it a winner. Explore other quick and delicious chicken recipes, like the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Buttery Cajun Rice or the Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, to continue your culinary adventures.

FAQs – 20 Minute Spicy Garlic Chicken

Based on our recipe instructions, it takes around 20 minutes to prepare and cook this dish. This includes frying the chicken until crispy and cooking it with the sauce until the flavors meld together.

You’ll need the following ingredients: 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, salt and black pepper, 4 tbsp of cornstarch, 2 tbsp of Korean red chili paste (gochujang), 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 6-8 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tbsp of honey, 2 tbsp of sesame seeds, 3 tbsp of water, 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil, and 1-2 stalks of chopped green onion for garnish.

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy and do not overcook.

To ensure crispy chicken, make sure to lightly dust the chicken thighs with cornstarch and shake off any excess. Cook the chicken skin-side down in medium-heated vegetable oil until the skin is golden and crispy, about 6 minutes on each side.

This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which helps balance the spicy and savory flavors. You can also serve it with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables to add some freshness and color to your meal.