Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken

Name: Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: ¼ cup tahini; 1 ½ tablespoons white miso; 1 ½ tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce; 1 ½-2 teaspoons gochujang (to taste); 2 tablespoons water; 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 small head cauliflower (1 ½ pounds), cut into small florets; 1 large sweet potato (1 pound), cut into ½- to 1-inch pieces; 1 small bunch lacinato kale, stems discarded and leaves coarsely torn; 6 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil (e.g., grapeseed or safflower), divided

By:

Sarah

Published:

October 9, 2025

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This Easy Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken recipe is a game changer for dinners, combining sweet and spicy in a way that has your taste buds dancing. Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that’s not only delicious but also makes cleanup a breeze? Between juggling work, family, and life in general, a simple meal that packs a punch with flavor and nutrition is a lifesaver. Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, brings a warming heat, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

What’s great is that this dish isn’t just about tasty chicken; it includes colorful vegetables that make it well-rounded too. You can have protein, greens, and starch all baked together, marrying those flavors beautifully as they roast. So grab your apron and let’s get into this easy, delightful recipe that brings a little joy to your weeknight cooking routine.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect flavor harmony. Sweet maple syrup marries beautifully with spicy gochujang, creating a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. The rich sweetness complements the heat, making each bite a delightful experience.

Plus, the efficiency of using a sheet pan makes it perfect for those busy weeknights. You toss everything onto one pan, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing while you relax or help the kids with homework.

And let’s not forget the nutritional balance! This dish packs in protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables. You end up with a delicious meal that feels wholesome without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken Recipe

One of the greatest things about this Easy Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken Recipe is its quick preparation and cooking time. You’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in about 30 minutes, which is a total win.

Cleanup? Minimal, as you’re only dealing with one pan. That’s a lifesaver after a long day.

Another bonus is its versatility! Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary needs. This recipe is welcoming to all kinds of culinary adaptations.

Ingredients

For the sauce:
– ¼ cup tahini
– 1 ½ tablespoons white miso
– 1 ½ tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
– 1 ½-2 teaspoons gochujang (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons water

For the chicken and vegetables:
– 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs (2 thighs per person recommended)
– 1 small head cauliflower (1 ½ pounds), cut into small florets
– 1 large sweet potato (1 pound), cut into ½- to 1-inch pieces
– 1 small bunch lacinato kale, stems discarded and leaves coarsely torn
– 6 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 3 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil (e.g., grapeseed or safflower), divided

Preparing the Sauce

Whisk the Ingredients Together

Time to bring the sauce to life. In a small bowl, combine tahini, white miso, rice vinegar, maple syrup, tamari, and gochujang. Gradually add water until you reach a creamy consistency. Take a taste and adjust if needed. This sauce can chill in the fridge for up to a week. Just rewarm it before serving.

Roasting the Vegetables

Preheat the Oven

Start by cranking up your oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange the Vegetables

Spread the cauliflower florets, sweet potato chunks, kale, and garlic cloves evenly on the sheet pan. Season them with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Preparing the Chicken

Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, mix together gochujang, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss the chicken in the gochujang mix until it’s nicely coated.

Combine and Roast

Now, lay the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the veggies on your sheet pan. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover juices from the chicken bowl over everything. Roast in that preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Stir and Continue Roasting

After 15 minutes, take a peek at your dish. Remove the chicken to a plate and give the veggies a stir. Return the chicken to the pan and let it roast for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a golden brown and is fully cooked.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is perfectly roasted, let it rest for about 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. Serve the chicken and the colorful veggies drizzled with that delightful Gochujang Tahini Sauce. Enjoy the burst of flavors on your plate!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those yummy juices.
Add a fresh side salad to bring in a nice crunch and balance out the meal.
A light, zesty slaw makes for a beautiful pairing, adding a refreshing element to every bite.

Tips for Success

Adjust the spice level of gochujang to suit your own preference; start with less and work your way up!
Cut your veggies into similar sizes for even cooking.
Be sure to use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor, or switch to boneless if that’s what you have.

Variations

If you prefer, swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts based on your taste.
Get creative by adding seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli.
For a gluten-free option, just use tamari in place of soy sauce.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use the oven to keep that crispy texture, or microwave if you need a quicker option.

Pairing Ideas

A crisp Chardonnay works beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of this dish.
For a refreshing complement, serve with a light, fruity iced tea.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken beforehand; just cook the vegetables fresh to ensure they stay vibrant.

How spicy is the gochujang?

Gochujang offers a mild to moderate spice. If you’re unsure about the heat, start with less and adjust to your liking.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes! You can freeze both the chicken and vegetables, either separately or together. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What can I substitute for tahini?

If you need a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can work well in this sauce.

This Easy Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken Recipe brings together flavors that not only satisfy your belly but also fit into your busy lifestyle. With its quick prep time and hearty ingredients, meal planning becomes a joy rather than a chore. You’re sure to keep this one in your rotation for those delicious weeknight dinners!

Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Maple Gochujang Chicken Recipe

Ingredients