Spicy Korean Chicken with Garlic Noodles

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into parts) or 8 drumsticks/thighs

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

• 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Noodles:

• 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (or Korean-style noodles)

• 1 tablespoon gochujang

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/2 cup noodle water (reserved after cooking noodles)

• 10–15 garlic cloves (whole or lightly smashed)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for extra spice

Optional Add-ons:

• Grilled shrimp, squid, or extra chicken bites

• Scallions, sesame seeds, chili oil drizzle

Instructions:

🍗 Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, honey, garlic, ginger, rice wine, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides.

4. Cover and cook on low heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and glazed (about 25–30 minutes).

5. Optional: Finish under the broiler for a crispy, slightly charred skin.

🍜 Cook the Noodles:

1. Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Save about 1/2 cup of the noodle water before draining.

2. In a separate pan, sauté garlic cloves in a little oil until lightly golden.

3. Add cooked noodles to the pan.

4. Add gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and reserved noodle water.

5. Toss everything together until noodles are fully coated and glossy.

🎀 Assemble:

• Place the spicy noodles in the center of a plate or tray.

• Arrange the cooked chicken around the noodles.

• Top with extra grilled shrimp, squid, or more garlic if desired.

• Sprinkle with scallions, sesame seeds, or drizzle with chili oil for extra flavor and presentation.

📌 Tips:

• For extra spicy noodles, add Korean chili flakes or more gochujang.

• Using whole garlic cloves adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.

• You can substitute the chicken with boneless chicken bites for easier eating.