Korean Coconut Chicken

Ingredients

• 14 oz chicken thighs (boneless)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)
• 2 garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade and searing)
• honey (drizzle)
• 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
• 2 carrot (sliced)
• 2 garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1.5 tsp gochujang (to taste (1-2 tsp))
• 1 can coconut milk (approx 13.5-14 oz)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• white rice (for serving)
• green beans (or broccolini, for serving)
• scallions (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon gochujang, a splash of olive oil, a drizzle of honey, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

2. 2

   Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they are slightly softened.

5. 5

   Add 2 more minced cloves of garlic, the grated ginger, and 1-2 teaspoons of gochujang to the skillet. Cook until the aromatics are fragrant.

6. 6

   Pour in the can of coconut milk, then stir in the soy sauce and brown sugar.

7. 7

   Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it has slightly thickened.

8. 8

   Slice the seared chicken thighs and add them back into the sauce.

9. 9

   Let the chicken warm through gently in the sauce so it stays juicy and tender.

10. 10

    Serve the chicken and sauce over white rice with a side of green beans or broccolini. Top with sliced scallions.

Notes

The author suggests using 1-2 tsp of gochujang in the sauce depending on your preferred spice level. For the best results, ensure the chicken is seared well to lock in flavor before adding it back to the coconut sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• chicken
• spicy
• creamy
• meal-prep
• korean-inspired