Name: Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 76 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all at once, this Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These wings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and coated in a luscious gochujang-based sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried for extra crispness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a vibrant punch of Korean-inspired flavors to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with raw chicken wings sits at the center of the image, showing pale pink and white colors with soft, smooth textures. Around the bowl, there are eight small white dishes arranged loosely on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, the first dish contains a bright red powder, followed by a very light beige creamy sauce in another dish at the top center. To the right, a white bowl holds chopped green onions with bright green shades. Next to that, a white bowl contains coarse salt, showing white grains and a wooden spoon covered lightly with honey dripping over it. Below, a small white dish filled with a dark reddish-brown thick sauce is placed next to a second dish with white granulated sugar. A smaller white dish around the bottom center has a light beige powder, and the last small dish holds another amount of the red powder. A white cloth is folded and placed on the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish irresistibly delicious.

2 lbs chicken wings: The star of the dish, ensuring tender, juicy bites with plenty of crispy skin to hold all that glaze.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the wings crisp beautifully while encouraging even browning during cooking.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild yet aromatic heat that complements the gochujang glaze perfectly.
½ tsp garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth that elevates the seasoning on the wings.
3 tbsp gochujang: Korean chili paste, the key ingredient for that authentic spicy, sweet, and umami-packed glaze.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings salty umami richness and a touch of color to the sauce.
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze and balances the spiciness for a rounded flavor.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that cuts through the richness and brightens up the sauce.
1 tsp sesame oil: Offers an irresistible nutty aroma that’s classic in Korean cooking.
1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with pungency and warmth for a well-rounded taste.
1 tsp grated ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy layer to the flavor palette.
Optional garnishes – sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Adds crunch, freshness, and pop of color when serving.

How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 380°F. This heat level is perfect for crisping the wings to golden perfection. Meanwhile, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get extra crispy during cooking. Toss the wings in olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure every piece is evenly coated. This simple seasoning step builds a flavorful base that complements the bold gochujang glaze later.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry the Wings

Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil or directly into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. If using an air fryer, cook for about 20 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket once midway. The goal is to get a beautiful golden-brown crust with succulent meat inside. The crispy texture is key, and the high heat method ensures the wings stay juicy while developing that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

While the wings cook, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture gently over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors marry beautifully. This glaze is the star flavor element—sweet, spicy, tangy, and umami-rich all at once, ready to coat your crispy wings.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

When your wings are cooked through and perfectly crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every wing is coated with that glossy, sticky sauce that clings deliciously. The warmth of the wings helps the glaze stick and soak in just a bit, making every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe

A close-up photo showing six crispy fried chicken drumsticks coated in a shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce. The drumsticks are arranged on a white plate with green chopped onions sprinkled on top for color contrast. On the right side of the plate, there is a small pile of red dipping sauce in a smooth round white bowl. The texture of the chicken skin looks crunchy and glossy from the sauce, with some dark spots showing a well-cooked finish. The background is a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding one drumstick in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your wings with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions. These garnishes add not only vibrant color contrast but also delightful texture with little bursts of freshness and nuttiness. They elevate the dish from tasty to truly irresistible, bringing that authentic Korean finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These wings shine alongside simple, clean sides that balance their bold flavor. Consider serving with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the extra sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or lightly dressed kimchi brings cooling, refreshing flavors that cut through the richness, creating a harmonious meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress, serve these Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of pickled vegetables and extra gochujang dipping sauce. Add a few lime wedges for squeezing on top, which adds a fresh and zesty pop. For casual gatherings, a large platter garnished with fresh herbs makes a stunning centerpiece everyone will dive into eagerly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a delightful snack or quick meal the next day without losing too much flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the wings in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. You can refresh the glaze by brushing on a little extra sauce before heating. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the wings soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. This step is crucial to achieve that crispy skin and prevent steaming the wings during baking or air frying.

Is gochujang very spicy? How can I adjust the heat?

Gochujang has moderate heat with a balance of sweetness and umami. If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount slightly or mix the glaze with more honey. For more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can keep this Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe completely gluten-free without compromising flavor.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy wings?

Patting your wings dry before seasoning and cooking at a high temperature ensures they crisp up beautifully. Also, air frying tends to deliver extra crunchiness compared to baking.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Definitely! The gochujang glaze keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Heat it gently before tossing with freshly cooked wings to maintain that perfect sticky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Korean BBQ Chicken Wings with Gochujang Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves rich, layered flavors with a spicy-sweet kick. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for parties and gatherings. Once you make these wings, they’ll quickly become your go-to whenever you want something fun, flavorful, and utterly delicious. So go ahead, give them a try and watch everyone fall in love with this Korean-inspired favorite!