Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

If you’re craving bold flavors, fast cooking, and serious comfort in one skillet, Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is the recipe you need in your rotation. This vibrant dish delivers everything people love about Korean-inspired home cooking: tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, spicy-sweet sauce powered by gochujang. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

This Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is designed for home cooks who want restaurant-style results using simple, accessible ingredients. The sauce is deeply savory with a balanced heat that builds slowly, coating every bite of chicken and vegetable in glossy, irresistible flavor. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you have a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or already love spicy stir-fries, this recipe is approachable, customizable, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

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Why Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Is So Popular

The global popularity of Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry comes from its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and speed. Korean cuisine is known for layering heat, sweetness, umami, and richness in a way that feels exciting but not overwhelming. This dish captures that essence beautifully.

Unlike long-simmered stews, a stir fry keeps ingredients vibrant and fresh. The chicken stays juicy, the vegetables retain their crunch, and the sauce clings tightly without becoming heavy. The result is a dish that feels light yet deeply satisfying.

Another reason this recipe stands out is versatility. You can easily adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or change the protein while keeping the core flavors intact. That flexibility makes Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry ideal for families, meal prep, and weeknight dinners when time is limited.

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What Makes Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Different

While many spicy chicken stir fries exist, Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry has a distinct personality thanks to gochujang. This fermented chili paste brings complexity that goes beyond simple heat. It adds subtle sweetness, deep umami, and a rounded spice that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Sesame oil adds nuttiness, soy sauce deepens savoriness, and honey softens the heat just enough to keep the dish balanced. Garlic and ginger provide aromatic warmth, while fresh vegetables add brightness and texture.

Together, these elements create a dish that feels bold but controlled, spicy but comforting—exactly what people look for in Korean-inspired cooking.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Category: Main Dish

• Method: Stir Fry

• Cuisine: Korean

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Ingredients for Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

This ingredient list keeps things simple while delivering maximum flavor. Each component plays an important role in the final dish.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauce Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds

• Sliced green onions

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken:
Chicken breast works beautifully for this recipe when sliced thinly against the grain. This ensures fast cooking and a tender bite. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.

Gochujang:
This is the heart of the dish. Choose a quality gochujang for the best flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less and adjust to taste.

Vegetables:
Bell peppers and onions provide sweetness and crunch, but this recipe welcomes additions like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas.

Oil:
Vegetable oil is ideal for high-heat stir frying. Avoid olive oil, which can burn at high temperatures.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, slice the chicken thinly, cut the vegetables, and mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir frying moves quickly, so having everything ready ensures the best results.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove excess moisture if needed to ensure proper searing.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the chicken. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this can create bitterness.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while remaining crisp.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the ingredients.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

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Tips for Perfect Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.

• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

• Adjust spice by increasing or reducing gochujang.

• Taste the sauce before adding it and balance sweetness or saltiness as needed.

• Use high heat to achieve proper stir-fry texture.

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Variations of Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Extra Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or a spoon of chili oil for more heat.

Sweet-Savory Version

Increase honey slightly for a sweeter sauce that balances the spice.

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or cabbage for extra color and nutrition.

Low-Carb Version

Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own without grains.

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What to Serve with Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Fried rice

• Udon or rice noodles

• Simple cucumber salad

• Pickled vegetables

The sauce pairs especially well with rice, soaking into every grain for maximum flavor.

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Meal Prep and Storage

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Meal Prep Tip:
Prepare the sauce and slice the chicken in advance to make cooking even faster.

Print

Nutrition Information (Estimated per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Protein: ~30 g

• Fat: ~15 g

• Saturated Fat: ~2 g

This makes Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry a balanced meal that’s high in protein and full of flavor without being overly heavy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry very spicy?
It has a medium heat level that can be adjusted easily by changing the amount of gochujang.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen for up to one month if needed.

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Final Thoughts

Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is one of those recipes that checks every box: fast, flavorful, comforting, and endlessly customizable. It brings bold Korean-inspired flavors into a simple home-cooked format that anyone can master. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich gochujang-based sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.

What truly sets this Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry apart is its balance. The heat never overwhelms, the sweetness softens the spice, and the savory depth keeps every bite interesting. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies cravings without feeling heavy, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining.