Korean Spicy Fire Chicken with Melted Cheese
This fiery Korean-inspired chicken dish combines tender bite-sized pieces with an intensely spicy sauce made from chili flakes, harissa paste, and garlic. The chicken is seared in a cast-iron pan then finished in the oven before being topped with melted mozzarella cheese that's broiled until bubbly and lightly charred. Perfect for spice lovers seeking an indulgent comfort food with serious heat. The combination of crispy edges, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese creates an irresistible contrast of textures.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons harissa pastegochujang1:1spicy
authentic Korean flavor
- ½ cup chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup monk fruitbrown sugar1:1none
traditional sweetness but not keto
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and place in a metal or glass mixing bowl
- 3
Mix chili flakes, chili paste, soy sauce, garlic, pepper, and sweetener and thoroughly combine
- 4
Heat a heavy bottomed cast-iron pan over medium heat
- 5
Add oil to hot pan then add chicken mixture
- 6
Cook while stirring for 10 to 15 minutes
- 7
Transfer pan to oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes
- 8
Cover the top of chicken with cheese
- 9
Set oven to broil to melt and lightly char the cheese
- 10
Serve immediately or let cool 5 minutes
Tips
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat that holds up better to the intense cooking process.
Let the cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth with molten cheese.
Adjust the chili flake amount based on your heat tolerance - start with less if you're sensitive to spice.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Cheese may separate when reheated.
Can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 1 day ahead. Add cheese and broil just before serving.
Serve immediately while cheese is hot and bubbly. Provide napkins and drinks to cool the heat.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cast-iron pan to avoid losing the searing effect that builds flavor
Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese - it goes from golden to burnt quickly
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce the chili flakes to 2-3 tablespoons and use a milder chili paste, or substitute some chili flakes with paprika for color without heat.
What if I don't have a cast-iron pan?
Use any oven-safe heavy-bottomed pan like stainless steel. Avoid non-stick pans as they typically can't handle the high heat transition from stovetop to oven.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese will separate when reheated, but the flavors remain good. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.