The Zestiest Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheesy Topping Recipe Ever

Chicken takes an exciting turn with this spicy korean chicken recipe that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.

Layers of bold flavors dance across your plate, promising a culinary adventure.

Tender pieces of chicken soak up a fiery marinade that sparks excitement in every bite.

Gooey, rich cheese creates a luxurious contrast against the vibrant korean-inspired sauce.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat and creamy comfort.

The combination of spicy and cheesy elements transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Savor this dish that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.

Why Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheesy Topping Is a Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a bold flavor explosion with gochutgaru and gochujang, creating a mouthwatering Korean-inspired dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare the marinade in minutes, let it sit, then simmer and broil for a hassle-free meal that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality creation.
• Cheesy Comfort Twist: The melted mozzarella adds a creamy, indulgent layer that transforms this spicy chicken into a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable to different skill levels, this recipe works for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

What You Need for Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheese

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this spicy Korean dish.

• Gochugaru, Gochujang: Provides authentic Korean heat and deep red color to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade.
• Rice Syrup: Offers a subtle sweetness and helps balance the spicy flavors.

• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Contributes to the overall richness and depth of the marinade.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic and pungent notes to the dish.
• Chilies, Salt, Pepper: Provides additional heat and seasoning.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a creamy, melted topping that complements the spicy chicken.

• Water or Stock: Helps to create moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking.

• Not specified in the original recipe, but typically might include green onions or sesame seeds.

How to Cook Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheese

Step 1: Whip Up a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Chopped chilies
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything into a vibrant, thick paste that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Massage Chicken with Marinade

Toss the chicken into the spicy mixture, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.

Wrap the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Sizzle and Simmer

Fire up a large oven-proof pan over medium heat.

• Marinade
• Water or chicken stock

Cover the pan and let it simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to concentrate its flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Crisp and Melt

Switch your oven to broil mode.

Remove the pan’s lid and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken.

Slide the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown blanket.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Pull out the pan, add your favorite garnishes, and get ready to devour this Korean-inspired cheesy chicken masterpiece.

Tips for Perfect Korean Chicken

• Let chicken soak in spicy Korean sauce for at least 1 hour to develop deep, rich flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Adjust gochugaru and gochujang quantities to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized spicy experience.
• Use high-moisture mozzarella for perfect melting and golden-brown broiling results.
• Add water or stock while simmering to maintain moisture and prevent marinade from scorching in the pan.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy meat before adding cheese topping.

Flavor Variations for Spicy Korean Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice syrup with erythritol or stevia, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or shredded jackfruit for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mild Family Version: Reduce gochugaru and gochujang quantities to create a less spicy meal suitable for children or those with sensitive palates.

Serving Suggestions for Korean Chicken

• Korean BBQ Feast Companion: Pair this spicy chicken with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the heat.
• Cooling Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber kimchi or fresh cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy, cheesy chicken.
• Veggie Crunch Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added texture and a pop of fresh flavor that complements the rich, spicy dish.
• Quick Meal Upgrade: Wrap the chicken in warm lettuce leaves for a fun, interactive Korean-style dining experience that lets everyone build their own perfect bite.

How to Store Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheese

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate cheese topping before freezing to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add fresh cheese topping during last 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• What is gochugaru and where can I find it?

Gochugaru is a Korean red pepper powder with a sweet, smoky flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, international markets, or online specialty food retailers.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a similar melty, cheesy topping that complements the spicy chicken.

• How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang and chilies. You can reduce the heat by using less gochugaru and gochujang, or add more if you prefer a fierier kick.

Spicy Korean Chicken with Cheesy Topping Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Korean Spicy Chicken with Cheesy Topping delights palates with its fiery kick and melted cheese goodness. Sizzling heat meets creamy richness, creating a perfect balance that will keep diners coming back for more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2–3 spicy Korean chili peppers

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup gochutgaru (Korean hot pepper flakes)
• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 6 large garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cooking and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Green onions
• Extra hot pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a robust marinade by blending gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice syrup, chilies, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper into a vibrant, thick sauce.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Preheat an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Transfer marinated chicken with entire marinade mixture and a splash of water or stock into the pan.
4. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing chicken to cook completely while sauce reduces and concentrates its flavors.
5. Uncover the skillet and prepare oven’s broiler function at high temperature.
6. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across chicken surface, creating an even layer.
7. Position skillet under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese melts, bubbles, and develops golden-brown caramelized edges.
8. Remove from oven, let rest briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs or green onions for added visual appeal and fresh flavor contrast.
9. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and stretchy, accompanied by rice or side of choice.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing gochugaru or gochujang for milder palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
• Use low-fat mozzarella or dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a lighter, diet-friendly version of the recipe.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy results compared to chicken breasts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 453 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg