Name: Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; freshly ground black pepper; 2 packets ramen or stir fry noodles; 1–2 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup chives, scallions, cilantro, basil, or whatever herbs you like for topping; salt to taste; 1 tablespoon chili oil for finishing; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for finishing

If you’re searching for a dinner that punches up the weeknight routine, look no further than Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken. This dish is a full-on flavor party—spicy, savory, a little sweet, and loaded with texture thanks to springy noodles, rich ground chicken, and a rainbow of fresh herbs. Whether you’re a gochujang devotee or brand new to Korean flavors, these noodles are incredibly easy to whip up but feel wildly special every single time. With just 30 minutes and a few pantry friendly ingredients, you’ll unlock a craveable, cozy meal that manages to be both comforting and exciting.

Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken is how the ingredients do all the heavy lifting—each one brings its own personality to the bowl, and together, they create magic. You likely already have many of these basics on hand!

Soy sauce: The backbone of our savory, umami-packed sauce that ties everything together.
Gochujang paste: Adds that signature Korean heat and a touch of complexity; adjust for your heat preference.
Tomato paste: Thickens and deepens the sauce with natural sweetness and color.
Peanut butter: Delivers a nutty richness that makes the sauce unbelievably creamy.
Water: Helps blend all the sauce elements and allows you to control the consistency.
Brown sugar: Balances the spice with gentle caramel notes and sweetness.
Sesame oil: Slips in a toasty, aromatic flavor that lingers in the best way.
Minced garlic: Brings freshness and zing straight into the sauce.
Chicken broth or water: Added at the end for the ideal sauciness—use broth for even more flavor.
Ground chicken: Super quick to cook, hearty, and soaks up the sauce like a champ.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that let all the bold flavors shine.
Ramen or stir fry noodles: The base for the entire dish; choose your favorite for best results.
Fresh spinach: Melts into the noodles, adding lushness and bright color.
Assorted herbs (chives, scallions, cilantro, basil): Your choice of fresh greens for sparkle and vibrancy.
Chili oil: A drizzle on top for luscious heat and fantastic color contrast.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled over just before serving for subtle crunch and nutty finish.

How to Make Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Together the Gochujang Sauce

Start by combining the soy sauce, gochujang, tomato paste, peanut butter, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a bowl or just shake them all up in a clean jar. This makes a thick, vibrant sauce base that will cling lovingly to every noodle. Don’t forget to set aside the extra chicken broth or water for later, as you’ll use it to find the perfect saucy consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grab your largest skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon—you’re looking for crumbles that will soak up all that incredible sauce later. Once browned and cooked through, you’re set for the next step.

Step 3: Boil the Noodles

While the chicken is sizzling, cook your ramen or stir fry noodles according to package instructions. It usually takes only a couple of minutes to soften them up. Drain well and set aside—they’ll finish cooking in all those tasty juices soon.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Now the fun part: add the fresh spinach, drained noodles, and your thick gochujang sauce straight into the skillet with the chicken. Keep things over medium-high heat and toss everything so the noodles are coated. As the spinach wilts, start pouring in the extra broth or water a little at a time until you reach your ideal level of “sauciness.” I adore about 1.5 cups—just enough to let every noodle glisten and soak up the flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Now turn off the heat and artfully sprinkle in a big handful of fresh herbs—scallions, chives, cilantro, or basil are all winners. Top with a swirl of chili oil and a shower of sesame seeds for that signature look and irresistible flavor. Serve the Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken immediately while everything’s extra steamy and luscious.

How to Serve Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl by topping your Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken with freshly chopped herbs, scallions, and a scattering of sesame seeds. Just before serving, a vibrant drizzle of chili oil adds an eye-catching shine and a whisper of heat. You can even add quick-pickled cucumbers or sliced radishes for crunch and color. Think of the garnishes like the last playful confetti at a dinner party—totally optional, but so delightful.

Side Dishes

Round out your SobSaucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken experience with simple sides that won’t compete but will make the meal memorable. Lightly sautéed greens with garlic, a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, or steamed edamame are all fantastic. I also love serving a crisp Asian slaw or a plate of crunchy pickled veggies for contrast. Each side brings its own character, but ensures the noodles stay the star.

Creative Ways to Present

Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken is just begging for a little creative flair. Try serving it in deep bowls with extra sauce on the side so friends can “customize their sauciness.” For a group, pile the noodles onto a big platter and let everyone swoop in family-style. I’ve even tucked smaller servings into lunch boxes or meal prep containers with extra herbs and vegetables layered on top—delicious, vibrant, and Instagram-worthy every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Let them cool completely before packing them away, and give a little splash of broth or water when you reheat to loosen up the sauce. They’re just as bold and punchy on day two—perfect for quick lunches!

Freezing

You can freeze Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken, though the texture of noodles and spinach may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, transfer the cooled noodles to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add the noodles to a skillet or microwave-safe bowl with a spoonful or two of water or broth. Warm gently over medium heat or in the microwave, tossing occasionally, until the dish is hot and the sauce coats the noodles beautifully once again. Finish with an extra sprinkle of herbs and chili oil if you want to recapture the fresh-from-the-skillet magic!

FAQs

Can I make Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground chicken with your favorite plant-based protein—crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms all work beautifully. Swap in vegetable broth in the sauce, and you’ll enjoy just as much bold flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

That’s entirely up to your gochujang measurement! Using two tablespoons keeps things gently spicy and accessible for most spice levels, but you can go up to three if you love heat. Feel free to adjust the gochujang or chili oil to suit your crowd.

Which types of noodles work best?

Classic ramen noodles are fantastic, but any stir fry noodle you enjoy is a winner. Udon, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch work since the real highlight is the saucy, savory coating—just adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely—you can shred or dice pre-cooked chicken and toss it in during the final steps, just long enough to warm through and soak in the sauce. It’s a terrific shortcut for weeknights or using up leftovers!

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes, this is a great dish for scaling up. Double all the sauce and noodle ingredients, and cook the chicken in batches for best browning. Just make sure you have a big pan or divide the batch into two for easier tossing.

Final Thoughts

If bold flavors and fuss-free cooking are your thing, you simply have to try Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat, with plenty of room for your own twists. Gather up your favorite bowl, load up on garnishes, and dive in—you’re about to discover just how joyful a truly saucy noodle night can be!

Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken