Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders

The irresistible heat of Korean gochujang meets the satisfying crunch of golden fried chicken in this recipe for Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders. Marinated in seasoned buttermilk for tender juiciness, these tenders are fried to perfection and tossed in a rich honey-garlic glaze infused with bold Asian flavors.

Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or the star of your weeknight dinner, these tenders bring serious flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or a spice lover looking for your next obsession, this dish delivers a fiery, tangy, sweet punch in every crispy bite.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breast, sliced)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1½ cups neutral oil (like canola or vegetable), for frying

For Gochujang Sauce:

• ¼ cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and ground ginger.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

4. Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.

5. Fry chicken in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

6. In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

7. Toss fried chicken tenders in warm gochujang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot!

Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Flavor Explosion: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking to break free from your usual fried chicken routine, Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders are the answer. They fuse the crispy, juicy goodness of classic chicken tenders with the bold, fermented heat of gochujang—Korea’s iconic chili paste. This dish delivers layers of flavor: tangy, spicy, sweet, and umami-rich, making it a standout meal for dinner parties, game days, or simply spicing up your weekday menu.

The real star here is gochujang, a staple in Korean kitchens. Made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, it adds a deep, almost smoky heat that sets it apart from standard hot sauces. When paired with ingredients like honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it transforms into a sticky glaze that coats each crisp chicken tender beautifully. This isn’t just spice for spice’s sake—it’s complexity and depth.

A Taste of Korea at Home

Bringing authentic Korean-inspired dishes into your home doesn’t need to be complicated. These Gochujang Chicken Tenders are approachable, even for beginner cooks. The preparation relies on everyday pantry staples like buttermilk, flour, garlic, and cornstarch, while the gochujang adds a touch of global flair. You can find it easily in most grocery stores or Asian markets, and once you try it, you’ll likely find ways to use it in stir-fries, marinades, and even as a condiment.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Korean cuisine or wants to start exploring it. It balances the fire of gochujang with the sweetness of honey and the savory comfort of fried chicken. The combination is universally appealing, making it a great gateway recipe into Korean-style cooking.

Why This Dish Works

The success of this dish comes down to three main things: the marinade, the frying technique, and the sauce.

The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken. It also infuses each piece with flavor before it even hits the hot oil. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt directly into the marinade adds depth and warmth.

The dredging mixture, which includes flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, ensures a light and crispy coating. Cornstarch is key here—it crisps up beautifully and gives the tenders that sought-after crunch without being too heavy.

The sauce is what really ties everything together. Simmering the gochujang with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil makes a rich, sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the fried tenders. It’s fiery but balanced, sweet without being cloying, and packed with bold umami notes.

Serving Suggestions

While these Gochujang Chicken Tenders can absolutely shine on their own, you can build a complete meal around them. Serve them over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice to soak up the extra sauce. Add a simple Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing for crunch and contrast.

You can also make them into sliders by placing them in small toasted buns with pickles and a drizzle of extra sauce. Or turn them into a rice bowl with avocado slices, cucumbers, sesame seeds, and a soft-boiled egg. The versatility of this dish means you can dress it up or keep it casual depending on the occasion.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Reheating

One of the underrated aspects of this recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers. Unlike some fried foods that go soggy, these tenders can be revived in the oven or air fryer and still maintain their crispy texture. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to use them for meal prep, consider storing the sauce separately and tossing the tenders right before serving to keep the coating extra crisp.

Kid-Friendly with a Kick

Although this recipe brings a bit of heat, it can easily be adjusted for families or those with lower spice tolerance. Simply reduce the amount of gochujang in the sauce or replace half with ketchup for a milder version. The sweetness from the honey and brown sugar already mellows the chili paste, so it’s not overpowering even for moderate spice lovers.

The crisp coating and slightly sweet sauce appeal to kids, especially when served with a familiar side like fries or white rice. It’s a great way to introduce younger eaters to global flavors without overwhelming their palate.

Healthier Swaps & Air Fryer Option

Want to lighten up this dish without sacrificing flavor? Try air-frying instead of pan-frying. Spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray and cook them in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a great crunch with significantly less oil.

You can also use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends to make it more diet-friendly. And if you’re looking to boost nutrition, pair the chicken with roasted veggies or swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Gochujang: A Pantry Must-Have

Once you’ve tried gochujang in this recipe, chances are you’ll want to find more ways to use it. This ingredient is incredibly versatile—it adds a punch to marinades, elevates soups like kimchi jjigae, and makes a bold dipping sauce when mixed with mayo or yogurt. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll last for months. Consider it your new flavor weapon.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, let the chicken marinate overnight. It makes the meat more flavorful and even juicier.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning.

• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge again in the flour mixture before frying.

• Let it Rest Before Serving: Let the tenders rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.

The Final Bite: A Recipe Worth Repeating

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders are more than just a trendy fusion dish—they’re an unforgettable blend of textures and flavors. This recipe celebrates bold Korean ingredients while staying accessible for the home cook. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or hosting friends for dinner, these tenders will be the center of attention.

The balance of spice, sweetness, and savory richness makes each bite exciting. And the fact that you can adapt it for different spice levels, dietary needs, or cooking methods makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, this dish checks every box.

Conclusion

Incorporating global flavors into everyday cooking is one of the easiest ways to keep your meals exciting, and these Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders are the perfect example. They offer a taste of Korean cuisine in a form that feels familiar and comforting—crispy, saucy, and full of flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, a dinner centerpiece, or a fun lunchbox option, they’re sure to impress.

With just a few accessible ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen. Bold, versatile, and absolutely addictive—these chicken tenders are not just a recipe, they’re a culinary experience.