Korean Chicken Bowl
Gochujang-glazed chicken over rice with kimchi, cucumber, and sesame.
For 1 serving
Marinate the chicken in the gochujang mixture
- Whisk together gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey in a bowl.
- Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
TIPUse a zip-top bag for marinating to ensure the sauce reaches every surface of the meat with less mess.Pan-fry the chicken until caramelized and cooked through
- Heat sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken in the pan and cook for 6 minutes per side until the glaze is charred and internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into thin strips.
TIPAvoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken sears rather than steams.Assemble the bowls with rice and fresh toppings
- Portion the cooked brown rice into serving bowls.
- Arrange the sliced chicken, sliced cucumber, and kimchi over the rice base.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
What to keep in mind.
3 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes until fragrant to significantly enhance the nutty profile of the dish.
- 2If the gochujang paste is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water or rice vinegar to thin the marinade for easier coating.
- 3For extra crunchy cucumbers, toss them with a pinch of salt 10 minutes before serving and drain any excess liquid.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace chicken with extra-firm pressed tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
low carbLow carb
Substitute the brown rice with cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded cabbage and kale.
low sodiumLow sodium
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double the ginger and garlic to maintain flavor while reducing salt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Quality Lean Protein
Chicken thighs provide essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Probiotic Gut Support
Fermented kimchi introduces beneficial bacteria to support a healthy microbiome.
Sustained Energy Release
Brown rice offers complex carbohydrates and fiber to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it provides a balanced profile of lean protein, complex carbohydrates from brown rice, and probiotics from kimchi.