Name: Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 oz dried noodles (udon, ramen, or rice noodles); 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you’re craving a bold, slurp-worthy noodle dish that’s packed with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, these Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken are about to be your new favorite meal. Juicy Chicken, chewy noodles, and an ultra-creamy, spicy sauce all come together in just one pan—making this perfect for quick weeknights or an impressive dinner when friends come over. Trust me, your taste buds won’t forget this! Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Super quick: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Unbeatable flavor: The gochujang-based sauce is spicy, sweet, and absolutely addictive.
Customizable heat: Easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s taste.
Packed with protein: Tender Chicken makes this a satisfying, one-bowl meal.
Easy cleanup: Everything comes together in just one pan!

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (120g) julienned carrots
1 cup (80g) shredded cabbage
2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth or water

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Cook noodles according to package directions (about 3-4 minutes for ramen or wheat noodles). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add remaining oil. Toss in onions and carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cabbage and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan. Add cooked noodles, green onions, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until noodles are glossy and sauce clings to every bite.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Divide among bowls, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

If you want extra-saucy noodles, add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth when tossing everything together.
For crispier chicken, let it sear undisturbed for the first couple of minutes.
Adjust gochujang to your heat preference—start small and add more if you love it spicy.

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or extra veggies like snap peas and mushrooms.
Seafood Lover’s: Use shrimp or sliced squid in place of chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles to suit your dietary needs.

Required Equipment

Large nonstick skillet or wok
Saucepan (for noodles)
Cutting board and knife
Tongs or spatula
Mixing bowls

Storage Instructions

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or quick kimchi for a fresh contrast.
Serve with a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Enjoy with a cold, crisp lager or sparkling water with lime.

Pro Tips

Use cold rinsed noodles for best texture—this prevents clumping when they hit the hot pan.
Slice all veggies thinly so they cook evenly and quickly.
Add the sauce last for glossy, perfectly coated noodles every time.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, just be careful not to overcook it as it dries out faster than thighs.
What if I can’t find gochujang?
You can substitute with a mix of miso paste, sriracha, and a touch of brown sugar, but the authentic flavor is best with gochujang.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy but easy to adjust—add less gochujang if you want a milder noodle dish.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes