Dinner

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

ByIsabella Vance December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Introduction

This Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowl is a deliciously spicy and sweet meal that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and flavorful sushi rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a vibrant mix of textures and tastes inspired by Korean cuisine.

A white bowl with light blue dots holds a colorful dish with five visible sections: white rice on the left, bright orange carrot sticks on the top right, red bell pepper strips below the carrots, light green cucumber slices at the bottom right, and dark purple shredded cabbage on the bottom left. At the center, there is a pile of reddish-brown cooked chicken pieces sprinkled with white sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The bowl sits on a navy blue cloth on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small dishes holding sesame seeds, red chili flakes, and cucumber slices, with a pair of chopsticks resting on the left side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400 g chicken
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp runny honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp sunflower oil
230 g sushi rice
170 g red cabbage (approx ¼ of a cabbage)
2 carrots
1 pepper
½ cucumber
3 spring onions
6 tbsp Gochujang & Honey Dressing
2 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp runny honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp sea salt. Stir well to make a smooth sauce.
Step 2: Dice the chicken into small pieces and add it to the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and set it aside to marinate briefly.
Step 3: Cook 230 g of sushi rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, thinly slice 170 g red cabbage, 2 carrots, 1 pepper, half a cucumber, and 3 spring onions and arrange them on a plate.
Step 4: Heat 1 tsp sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the honey. Ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: To assemble, place cooked rice in bowls, top with the sliced vegetables and the cooked chicken. Drizzle 6 tbsp of Gochujang & Honey Dressing over each bowl and finish by sprinkling 2 tsp of sesame seeds on top.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted peanuts or cashews as a topping.
Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
If gochujang is too spicy, reduce the amount or balance with extra honey.
Use jasmine or basmati rice if sushi rice is unavailable, though texture will vary slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. Keep the fresh vegetables separate if possible to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a colorful mix of food in five sections arranged around the center. On the left is shredded purple cabbage with a rough texture. Next to it is a pile of white rice with a soft and fluffy look. In the middle, there are small pieces of cooked chicken coated in a dark reddish-brown sauce, topped with white sesame seeds and sliced green onions. To the right are thin, bright orange carrot sticks, and next to them, red bell pepper strips with a shiny, smooth surface. At the bottom, overlapping the chicken and peppers, are round slices of fresh green cucumber showing seeds inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth and a glass jar of red sauce nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead and cook it when ready. Prepare the rice and vegetables fresh for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?

If gochujang is unavailable, mix a bit of chili paste with miso or soy sauce and a touch of honey to mimic its flavor, though the taste will differ slightly.