Gochujang Chicken and Veggies One Pot Dinner That’s Spicy, Cozy, and Weeknight-Easy
There are certain recipes I come back to again and again when life feels busy, the weather turns cozy, and I still want something homemade, nourishing, and exciting to eat. This gochujang chicken and veggies recipe has become one of those staples in my kitchen. It checks every box I care about as a chef and home cook: bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and real comfort without feeling heavy.
I first tested this dish on a night when I was craving the flavors of korean fried chicken—that sticky, spicy, slightly sweet sauce—but didn’t want anything fried or complicated. What I ended up with was a healthier, weeknight-friendly twist that still delivers that deep, cozy satisfaction. This recipe quickly earned its place in my rotation of favorite one pot meals, and now I’m excited to share it with you.
If you love easy weeknight dinner ideas that feel special, are packed with vegetables, and bring serious flavor to the table, this one is for you.
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Why Gochujang Chicken and Veggies Is a Weeknight Hero
Let’s talk about why this dish works so beautifully. Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that brings heat, umami, and a subtle sweetness all at once. When used in a simple marinade, it transforms everyday chicken into something deeply flavorful.
Instead of frying like traditional korean fried chicken, we’re simmering and sautéing everything together in one pan. That means less oil, fewer dishes, and more time to actually enjoy your evening. For me, that’s the real luxury.
This recipe is:
- Spicy, but customizable
- Loaded with colorful vegetable goodness
- High protein thanks to juicy chicken thighs
- Comforting, cozy, and still healthy
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
One thing I always appreciate in a recipe is clarity. Below are the exact measurements I use when making this dish at home.
For the Gochujang Marinade
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Chicken and Veggies
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup zucchini slices
- ½ cup carrots, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (with rice is highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice
As a chef, I almost always reach for chicken thighs when I want a forgiving, juicy result—especially in one pot meals. Thighs stay tender even with bold sauces and higher heat, making them ideal for this spicy gochujang glaze.
They’re also higher in flavor and slightly higher in fat, which balances beautifully with the heat of the sauce and the freshness of the vegetables. Plus, they contribute to making this dish truly high protein and satisfying.
How to Make Gochujang Chicken and Veggies (One Pot)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, 30 minutes deepens the flavor even more.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserve excess marinade) and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly caramelized.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Sauce
Add onion, bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, and carrots. Pour in the reserved marinade and water or broth. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens. This is where everything comes together into a cozy, glossy, comfort food dinner.
Kitchen Tools I Love for This Recipe
1. Large Non-Stick Deep Skillet
A wide, deep skillet makes all the difference for one pot meals like this. It gives enough surface area to sear the chicken properly while still holding plenty of veggies.
Why I recommend it: Even heat, easy cleanup, and perfect for weeknight cooking.
👉 Amazon Tip: Look for a skillet with a lid and oven-safe handle.
Call to Action: Upgrade your weeknight cooking—this skillet will become your most-used pan.
2. Authentic Korean Gochujang Paste
Not all gochujang is created equal. A high-quality Korean brand delivers deeper umami and balanced spice.
Why I recommend it: Better flavor, cleaner ingredients, and authentic taste.
Call to Action: Stock your pantry with this once, and you’ll unlock dozens of easy Korean-inspired recipes.
3. Rice Cooker with Keep-Warm Function
Serving this dish with rice is essential, and a reliable rice cooker takes one more task off your plate.
Why I recommend it: Perfect rice every time with zero stress.
Call to Action: Make cozy, homemade dinners easier—let your rice cooker do the work.
Serving Suggestions
I almost always serve this dish over warm jasmine rice, letting the sauce soak into every grain. Brown rice, coconut rice, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully too.
For a little extra freshness, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. It adds crunch and makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy while still being a simple recipe.
Why This Recipe Feels Healthy and Comforting
This dish strikes that perfect balance so many of us are looking for—healthy but indulgent, comforting without being heavy. You get lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and bold flavor without deep frying or excess sugar.
As someone who cooks professionally and at home, I love recipes that don’t feel like a compromise. This one never does.
Variations and Tips
- Make it milder by reducing gochujang to 2 tablespoons.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Swap rice for noodles or lettuce cups.
Final Thoughts
Writing this recipe reminded me why I love cooking so much. It’s about taking inspiration—like the flavors of korean fried chicken—and turning it into something approachable, nourishing, and doable on a Tuesday night.
This gochujang chicken and veggies one pot dinner is spicy, cozy, quick, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel taken care of, even when life is busy. And honestly? Those are the recipes worth keeping.
I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.
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