Irresistibly Juicy Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken at Home

Published: February 12, 2026

by Clare

Why is Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken so special?

Unforgettable flavor infusion: The combination of miso and gochujang creates a delightful balance of savory and spicy that elevates traditional roast chicken.

Effortless preparation: With just a few simple steps, this recipe transforms your chicken into a gourmet meal without the unnecessary fuss.

Versatile serving options: Pair it with steamed rice or roasted vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion or palate.

Perfect for gatherings: Impress your family and friends with a dish that looks stunning and tastes even better, sure to become a crowd favorite.

Time-efficient delight: Ready in about an hour, you’ll have more time to enjoy your delicious creation, leaving fast food behind for good.

This Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken offers a tantalizing twist on a classic. For an extra treat, check out my recipe for Million Dollar Chicken that will pleasantly surprise your guests!

Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Whole Chicken (1, about 4-5 lbs) – This is the fundamental ingredient that gives your dish its hearty foundation.

For the Marinade
• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened) – Adds richness and ensures the marinade adheres well; opt for olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Miso Paste (3 tablespoons) – Infuses umami flavor and moisture into the chicken; use white or yellow for milder taste, red for a bolder punch.
• Gochujang (2 tablespoons) – This spicy paste adds depth and a kick; feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• Honey (2 tablespoons) – Counterbalances the savory and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness; maple syrup can be substituted if desired.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Imparts aromatic warmth and flavor; fresh garlic yields the best results for your roast chicken.
• Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced) – Brings a unique warmth and brightness to the marinade; ground ginger works in a pinch.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Enhances saltiness and umami goodness; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) – Offers a nutty depth of flavor; it’s optional if you have a sesame allergy.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Simple but essential for enhancing the other flavors in your dish.

For Garnish
• Fresh Herbs (for garnish, optional) – Add color and a fresh touch to your presentation.
• Lemon Wedges (for serving) – Brightens up the dish and complements the flavors beautifully.

Embrace this Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken recipe and savor the rich, flavorful journey it presents!

How to Make Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix softened butter, miso, gochujang, honey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creamy blend is your flavor-packed marinade.
Apply the Marinade: Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and generously rub the marinade all over the chicken, especially under the skin. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Refrigerate: Cover the marinated chicken and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This marination time will amplify the flavor, making your roast chicken irresistible.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating ensures a perfect cook, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat.
Prepare for Roasting: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting. Then, place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. This step helps the chicken cook evenly.
Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour. Baste the chicken halfway through with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Check Doneness: Ensure that the juices run clear when pierced, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here for perfectly cooked chicken.
Rest the Chicken: After removing it from the oven, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for juicier meat.
Garnish & Serve: Once rested, serve the chicken garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, adding an inviting touch to this already stunning dish.

Optional: Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative with my Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken recipe and make it your own!

Chicken Thighs: Swap the whole chicken for chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful experience; they cook faster too!
Honey Alternatives: Substitute honey with agave syrup or brown sugar for different sweetness profiles that change the flavor balance.
Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version that still delivers on flavor.
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a fragrant herb twist that elevates the aromatic experience.
Spice Level: Increase the amount of gochujang for extra heat or introduce chili flakes for an added kick if you love spicy dishes.
Zesty Kick: Squeeze some fresh lime juice into the marinade for brightness and a citrusy lift that cuts through the richness.
Vegetable Sides: Roast your favorite veggies alongside the chicken, like carrots or bell peppers, to soak up the delicious juices for a delightful side dish.
Grilled Version: If you prefer grilling, use the marinade on chicken breasts or drumsticks for a smoky flavor with a similar taste profile.

Explore these variations and discover new ways to enjoy this delightful roast chicken recipe!

How to Store and Freeze Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze slices or portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving out the Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, especially in warm environments.

Expert Tips for Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken

Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for the best flavor infusion. This time lets the flavors penetrate deeply, creating a juicier roast chicken.
Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This prevents undercooking and ensures food safety.
Basting Best Practices: While basting adds moisture, limit oven openings to maintain consistent heat. Frequent opening can lead to uneven cooking and dryer chicken.
Skin Care: For extra crispy skin, make sure to dry the chicken well before applying the marinade. This helps achieve that golden, crackly exterior on your Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered or jarred versions. Fresh ingredients truly elevate the flavor profile of your dish!

What to Serve with Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken?

Enhancing your dining experience involves pairing the rosemary-scented roast chicken with perfect companions for a fulfilling meal.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice absorbs the savory juices beautifully, adding a delightful texture to each bite. The mild flavor allows the chicken’s bold taste to shine.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A colorful medley of carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers offers a sweet contrast and vibrant crunch, enhancing the overall meal aesthetic.
Sesame Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad adds a crispness that balances the rich, savory notes of the chicken while providing a pop of freshness.
Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for soaking up the luscious chicken gravy while lending a warm, hearty element.
Spicy Kimchi: The fermented punch of kimchi adds a delightful tang and spice that complements the chicken’s umami depth, marrying the Korean-inspired flavors beautifully.
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing white wine elevates the meal, with crisp citrus notes that contrast beautifully with the spicy and savory elements of the chicken.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a lemon sorbet acts as a palate cleanser, brightening the meal’s conclusion while echoing the zesty notes in the chicken’s garnish.

Elevate your dinner table with these pairings, creating not just a meal, but a memorable culinary experience!

Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a whole chicken weighing about 4-5 lbs. A whole bird ensures even cooking and provides a juicy, tender result. However, you can also opt for chicken thighs if you prefer a different texture!

How do I know if my chicken is properly marinated?
Look for a well-coated chicken with the marinade evenly distributed under the skin. If the chicken has been marinating for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, it should have absorbed the rich flavors of miso and gochujang, resulting in tenderness and depth of taste.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
To keep your Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken moist, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil for the first half of reheating to prevent the skin from becoming too dry, ensuring you enjoy tender and flavorful chicken every time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, which is gluten-free. This adjustment will keep all the flavors intact without compromising on taste, allowing everyone to indulge in this delicious dish!

How do I prevent the chicken skin from getting soggy?
To achieve crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before applying the marinade. This helps remove excess moisture. Additionally, the higher roasting temperature at 425°F (220°C) promotes a beautifully golden and crispy exterior, so don’t skip the preheating step!