If you’re looking for bold flavor, irresistible juiciness, and a glossy finish worthy of a special occasion, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite crowd-pleaser: Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked). This dish brings together the sweet heat of gochujang, the natural richness of honey, and the comforting, golden goodness of perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you use your trusty air fryer or oven, you’ll end up with tender, sticky-glazed chicken that leaves everyone reaching for seconds — and craving more.

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) is all about a handful of pantry heroes that work together to create magic on your plate. Each component brings something unique to the table, from the unmistakable kick of gochujang to the silky umami backdrop of soy sauce. All you need are these straightforward, hard-working ingredients:

Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Super juicy and versatile, these cuts hold up to bold sauces and stay moist when air fried or baked.
Vegetable Oil (optional for baking): Lightly coating the chicken helps crisp the skin and lock in moisture during baking.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s natural flavor before adding the glaze.
Gochujang (Korean chili paste): This ingredient is the star! It gives the glaze that signature spicy-sweet depth.
Honey: Balances out the heat, adds sheen, and provides a sticky finish that caramelizes beautifully.
Soy Sauce: Adds a backbone of salty, savory flavor that ties everything together.
Rice Vinegar: Lifts the glaze with acidity, brightening every bite.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle infuses the glaze with warm, nutty notes.
Garlic (minced): Guarantees an aromatic punch and deepens the overall savoriness.
Grated Ginger: Brings zing and freshness that cuts through the sticky glaze.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): Mix cornstarch with a touch of water if you want your glaze even thicker and glossier.
Sesame Seeds: These tiny gems add crunch and great visual flair as a finishing touch.
Sliced Green Onions: For color, freshness, and a gentle bite to complement each piece.

How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by drying off your chicken pieces with paper towels to help them crisp up while cooking. A good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides brings out the chicken’s natural flavors. If you’re going the baking route, massage in a bit of vegetable oil — it gives you that irresistible golden edge.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and combined. This glossy mixture is seriously fragrant — and foreshadows just how delicious Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) is about to be. Set it aside and resist the urge to taste-test too many times!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

For the air fryer: Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the basket to maximize air flow. Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the inside measures 165°F (75°C) and the skin is perfectly crispy.
For the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the prepared chicken on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping once to ensure even coloring, until golden and fully cooked.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Set a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in your glaze and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens; the scent will just about knock your socks off. For extra stickiness, stir in the optional cornstarch slurry and watch as the glaze gets even silkier. As soon as your chicken’s cooked, toss it in the warm glaze or brush it on generously — you want every nook coated!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your beautifully glazed chicken to a serving platter. Shower it with toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions for both crunch and color. Serve immediately for maximum impact, and get ready for accolades.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked)

Garnishes

This is where you turn tasty chicken into a showstopper. A final flourish of toasted sesame seeds and paper-thin green onions really makes the dish pop both visually and texturally. If you want an extra layer of luxury, a few sprigs of cilantro or a light drizzle of extra honey wouldn’t go amiss!

Side Dishes

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) is bold, so I like pairing it with simple sides. Fluffy steamed rice acts as a perfect canvas for all that sticky glaze. I also love serving it next to quick-pickled cucumbers or lightly sautéed bok choy, which help balance the richness and tame the spice. Even a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes will do the trick.

Creative Ways to Present

You can stack the glazed chicken on a platter garnished with extra herbs, or turn it into a fun finger-food centerpiece with cocktail picks for parties. For a casual weeknight meal, present the chicken on a rustic board with bowls of rice and veggies so everyone can dig in family-style. Or, shred leftovers and stuff into lettuce wraps with a bit of extra sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a knockout lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Let cooled chicken pieces rest before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. I recommend freezing the chicken separately from any extra glaze or garnishes, so they hold their texture better upon reheating.

Reheating

To keep things juicy and flavorful, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 10–12 minutes). Microwave works in a pinch, but the chicken may not be as crispy. For maximum stickiness, reheat any leftover glaze alongside the chicken and brush it on just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Absolutely! While I adore the juiciness and flavor of thighs, chicken breasts work well, too. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as breasts can dry out faster. Marinating them a bit longer before cooking also helps.

How spicy is Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked)?

It’s got a pleasant kick, but it’s not overpowering. The honey and soy sauce mellow out the gochujang’s heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, just use a little less gochujang or add more honey to the glaze.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The sticky glaze can be mixed up to 3 days in advance. Store it sealed in the fridge, then gently heat and whisk before glazing your chicken for fresh flavor and glossiness.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries at all! The oven method delivers equally sticky, delicious results. Baking at the right temp gives you nicely browned skin and tender meat — you won’t miss a beat.

Is Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) kid-friendly?

Many kids love the sweet, sticky glaze, especially if you dial back the gochujang slightly. Serve with mild sides and you’ll have a family winner on your hands!

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) is a bona fide weeknight hero — bold, balanced, and shockingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I really hope you’ll give this dish a try. Your taste buds (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!