This Korean Spicy Chicken Bowl is fiery, flavorful, and loaded with bold, savory heat. Featuring tender chicken tossed in a sweet-spicy gochujang-based sauce, this bowl brings the vibrant essence of Korean street food right to your kitchen. Served over steamed rice with crisp vegetables and a fried egg on top, it’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Main Ingredient: Chicken Thighs (Bold, Juicy & Flavorful)
Chicken thighs are perfect for Korean-style bowls—juicy, quick to cook, and excellent at soaking up spicy marinades. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut.
Ingredients Breakdown
Protein
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup bean sprouts or blanched spinach
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Optional: kimchi or pickled radish for serving
- 2 eggs (fried sunny-side up)
Base
- 2 cups cooked short-grain or jasmine rice
- Optional: brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter version
Spicy Marinade/Sauce (Gochujang-Based)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Extra gochujang (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot
- Spatula
- Frying pan (for eggs)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: 30–35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies and rice.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse and prep the lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and sprouts.
- Blanch the bean sprouts or spinach in boiling water for 1–2 minutes if desired, then drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Eggs
- In a non-stick pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Bowl
- In each bowl, start with a scoop of warm rice.
- Arrange the spicy chicken, fresh veggies, and sprouts neatly on top.
- Add the fried egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with extra gochujang or a side of kimchi for more heat.
What to Serve With It
- Kimchi
- Korean pickled radish (danmuji)
- Miso soup or clear broth
- Roasted seaweed sheets
Tips and Variations
- Adjust heat level by adding more or less gochujang
- Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms
- Add shredded purple cabbage or radish for extra crunch and color
- Use a spoonful of mayonnaise or sriracha-mayo drizzle for a fusion twist
Storage and Meal Prep
- Store leftover chicken and rice separately for up to 3 days in the fridge
- Reheat chicken in a pan over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water
- Assemble fresh bowls just before serving to keep textures crisp
Plating and Presentation Ideas
- Use wide, shallow ceramic bowls for that Korean bibimbap-style look
- Arrange ingredients in colorful sections around the egg
- Add a spoon of gochujang in the center for mixing
- Garnish with sesame seeds and herbs for a restaurant-quality finish
Final Thoughts
The Korean Spicy Chicken Bowl is spicy, saucy, and endlessly satisfying. It delivers big flavor with minimal effort and is just as good (if not better) than your favorite Korean takeout. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this bowl always hits the spot—warm, comforting, and packed with personality.
