Spicy Gochujang Chicken Noodle Traybake for Busy Weeknights

Alright, let’s dive into this delicious Spicy Gochujang Chicken Noodle Traybake! Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the aroma of something amazing wafting around the kitchen. It’s warm and inviting, and you just know that the flavors are going to be incredible. This dish is like a big hug in a tray—a bit spicy, a bit savory, and just packed with goodness. Seriously, if you love Korean flavors, you’re gonna want to make this… like, right now!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super simple to throw together—all in one pan, no crazy cleanup!
• That gochujang… it’s rich, spicy, and brings everything to life.
• The chicken thighs stay juicy, while the veggies get just perfectly roasted.
• It’s a comforting meal that you can enjoy on busy weeknights or whenever.
• And trust me, leftovers? They taste even better the next day!

The first time I made this, my whole family was fighting over the last bit… it was a total hit!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs: around 600g, bone-in or boneless, whatever you’ve got on hand—just makes it juicy!
• Gochujang: 4 tablespoons, this stuff is like magic—spicy and sweet!
• Garlic cloves: 4, minced—because garlic makes everything better.
• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons for that savory punch.
• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons, it adds that nutty goodness.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon for a bit of sweetness—trust me, it’s a game changer.
• Rice noodles: 300g, they soak up all those yummy flavors.
• Bell peppers: 2, sliced—grab any colors you adore.
• Red onion: 1, chopped; it adds a little zing.
• Spring onions: 4, sliced for that fresh crunch.
• Coriander: to garnish, because it’s pretty and adds freshness.

Easy How-To

Get Ready to Bake!

First things first, preheat that oven to 200°C (400°F). While it’s heating up, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients—that’s always a good start. So, grab your chicken, veggies, and noodles. Now let’s move on and make that marinade! In a big bowl, mix the gochujang with soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. It’s gonna smell amazing, I promise! Toss in your chicken and make sure it’s coated well… let it sit for about 15 minutes so it really sinks in. You could even go longer if you have the time!

Next up, chop your bell peppers and spring onions into nice pieces… aim for similar sizes so they cook evenly. Once that’s done, spread the marinated chicken out in a large baking tray. Surround it with those lovely veggies—oh, and don’t forget to save some springs onions for garnish later. Now pop the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want that chicken cooked all the way through and veggies tender.

While that’s happening, cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions—a quick boil should do it—then drain and set aside. Once those chicken and veggies are out of the oven and smelling incredible, toss in those noodles and mix everything up right there in the tray. Give it a taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and voila, it’s ready to serve!

Good to Know

• Wanna switch things up? Try other veggies you love—zucchini or snap peas are great in this!
• If you can’t find gochujang, mix red pepper flakes with a touch of honey or ketchup and it still works!
• This dish keeps in the fridge for about 2-3 days—perfect for quick meals later on!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top and a side of steamed greens for extra color.

Top Tricks

• Don’t rush that marinating time… the longer you let it sit, the deeper those flavors will soak in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ah, great question! At least 30 minutes is ideal, but honestly, if you can let it sit for a few hours or even overnight, it’s so worth it for that flavor boost!

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Just like I mentioned earlier, you can toss in whatever veggies you’ve got lying around. They all work wonderfully in a traybake!

What if I don’t have gochujang?

No worries! Just whip up a mix of red chili paste with a little sugar added for sweetness. It’s a fantastic substitute!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, indeed! You can make the marinade and chop everything up ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s already pretty awesome on its own but a side of steamed greens or even a zingy salad would be a great addition for some freshness.

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So there you have it! This Spicy Gochujang Chicken Noodle Traybake is not only a real crowd-pleaser but also super adaptable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, you can whip this up and enjoy those delightful flavors. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a regular in your meal rotation!