Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of gochujang to 1 tablespoon and skip the chili oil topping. You'll still get all the wonderful flavor without too much heat. You can also balance the spice by adding a bit more brown sugar or even a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.

I can't find gochujang. What can I substitute?

While nothing perfectly replicates gochujang's unique flavor profile, you can make a substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of miso paste with 1 tablespoon each of sriracha and honey. It won't be authentic, but it will give you similar sweet-spicy-umami notes.

Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cook the chicken in advance. When ready to eat, just cook the noodles fresh, reheat the chicken, and combine everything with the sauce and fresh spinach.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, check that your gochujang is gluten-free (some brands contain wheat), and substitute rice noodles or gluten-free ramen for regular wheat noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken Recipe

Name: Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2–3 tablespoons gochujang sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 2 tablespoons water; 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 clove minced garlic; 1–2 cups broth or water for thinning the sauce; 1 pound ground chicken (can substitute pork); 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 packets ramen or stir fry noodles (just the noodles); 1–2 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup chives, scallions, cilantro, basil, or your preferred herbs for topping; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon chili oil for finishing; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for finishing

This mouthwatering Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken is the perfect blend of Korean-inspired flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. With its rich, slightly spicy sauce coating tender noodles and savory ground chicken, this dish delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something incredibly delicious but don’t have the energy for anything complicated!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to resort to takeout.
Customizable heat level: You control the spice by adjusting the gochujang amount to suit your preference.
One-pan wonder: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup afterward.
Packed with flavor: The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy elements creates a truly crave-worthy dish.
Satisfying texture: The silky sauce coats chewy noodles and combines with the ground chicken for the perfect bite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gochujang: The star of the show! This Korean red pepper paste brings sweet, savory, and spicy notes all at once. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.
Soy sauce: Provides that essential umami foundation for the sauce. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances the other flavors perfectly.
Peanut butter: Creates creaminess and body in the sauce while adding a subtle nutty undertone that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. Adjust to your taste preference.
Sesame oil: Just a tablespoon transforms the sauce with its distinctive toasty, nutty flavor. Don’t skip this!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that dried simply can’t replicate.
Ground chicken: The protein base that soaks up all the incredible sauce. It cooks quickly and stays tender.
Ramen or stir-fry noodles: Use just the noodles from packaged ramen or your favorite Asian noodles for the perfect chewy texture.
Spinach: Wilts down beautifully into the sauce, adding nutrition and a pop of color.
Fresh herbs: Chives, scallions, cilantro, or basil add brightness and freshness that takes this dish to the next level.
Chili oil and sesame seeds: These finishing touches add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Swap the ground chicken for ground pork, turkey, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Thinly sliced beef would also work beautifully if you prefer larger pieces of protein.

Veggie Additions

Add matchstick carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas along with the spinach for extra nutrition and texture. For a heartier dish, try adding small broccoli florets (steam them slightly first).

Noodle Options

While ramen noodles are perfect here, you can substitute udon, soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Each brings a different texture to the final dish.

Extra Crunchy Version

Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture and flavor dimension.

How to Make Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, tomato paste, peanut butter, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined. The mixture will be quite thick at this stage, which is perfect—it will thin out later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has started to brown in spots, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions, usually just 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them—they should retain some chewiness. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the cooked noodles, spinach, and prepared sauce to the skillet. Keep the heat at medium-high and toss everything together until well combined and the spinach begins to wilt.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

Add broth or water a little at a time, stirring between additions, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce will coat the noodles but should still be loose enough to be, well, saucy! I usually end up adding about 1-1½ cups total.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving bowls and top with fresh herbs, a drizzle of chili oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll continue to soften slightly when added to the hot skillet with the sauce.
Taste and adjust: Everyone’s preference for spice, salt, and sweetness is different. Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Prep ahead: Mix the sauce and chop all garnishes in advance to make the cooking process even faster.
Control the heat: Start with less gochujang if you’re unsure about spice levels. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Allow for reduction: The sauce will thicken as it bubbles in the skillet, so adding that extra broth or water is essential for keeping it saucy.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These noodles are substantial enough to serve on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides like cucumber salad, kimchi, or a light miso soup.

Garnish Options

Go all out with the toppings! Besides fresh herbs and sesame seeds, try sliced green onions, julienned cucumbers, or a jammy soft-boiled egg for extra richness.

Serving Style

Serve family-style in a large bowl for casual dinners, or portion into individual bowls for a more composed presentation. Either way, keep those toppings handy for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the noodle texture, but the sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. A microwave works too, but stir halfway through and add a little liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of gochujang to 1 tablespoon and skip the chili oil topping. You’ll still get all the wonderful flavor without too much heat. You can also balance the spice by adding a bit more brown sugar or even a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
I can’t find gochujang. What can I substitute?

While nothing perfectly replicates gochujang’s unique flavor profile, you can make a substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of miso paste with 1 tablespoon each of sriracha and honey. It won’t be authentic, but it will give you similar sweet-spicy-umami notes.
Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cook the chicken in advance. When ready to eat, just cook the noodles fresh, reheat the chicken, and combine everything with the sauce and fresh spinach.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, check that your gochujang is gluten-free (some brands contain wheat), and substitute rice noodles or gluten-free ramen for regular wheat noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken hit all the right notes – spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. What I love most is how quickly they come together without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or impressing friends with your weeknight culinary skills, this dish delivers every time. The balance of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and that irresistible sauce creates something truly special that might just become your new favorite comfort food. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!