Indulge in the best Sticky Korean Chicken recipe, packed with bold flavors, a sweet and savory glaze, and tender, juicy chicken. This easy Korean chicken is marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then baked to perfection with a sticky, caramelized coating. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is ideal for anyone who loves Korean BBQ, takeout-style chicken, or Asian-inspired meals. Serve it with steamed rice, kimchi, or roasted veggies for an authentic and delicious experience. Try this oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled Korean chicken today!

This Sticky Korean Chicken is packed with bold flavors and a deliciously caramelized glaze. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, this dish features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Oven-baked until golden and blistered, then topped with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Korean-inspired flavors. Serve it with steamed rice, kimchi, or roasted vegetables for an easy and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 to 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)

For the Chicken:

3 lbs chicken legs and/or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
4 green onions, sliced
1 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and red chili flakes until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (200°C).
- Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper and arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
Bake the Chicken:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
- The chicken is done when the skin is golden brown and slightly blistered, and the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C).
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tips

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
To make this dish even more flavorful, marinate the chicken overnight.
Baste frequently to build up a rich, sticky glaze.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the perfect temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the protein: Try this marinade with boneless chicken thighs, wings, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make it spicier: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or increase the red chili flakes for extra heat.
Use a different sweetener: Substitute brown sugar or maple syrup for honey if desired.
Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts will work but may cook faster, so check at 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed white rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice.
Pair with Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled cucumbers, or sesame spinach.
Add a side of roasted broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or bok choy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
✔ Bold, authentic Korean flavors
✔ Crispy, juicy, and perfectly caramelized
✔ Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
✔ Can be baked, grilled, or air-fried

This Sticky Korean Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze, it’s the perfect dish for a flavor-packed dinner. Try it today and bring the taste of Korean cuisine right into your kitchen! 🇰🇷🔥🍗