Korean Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines a perfectly crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy interior, all coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. The chicken is double-fried to achieve an extra crispy texture that holds up to the rich, sticky sauce, which is made with ingredients like gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, soy sauce, and honey. This dish is a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it an irresistible treat.
I first made Korean Fried Chicken when I was craving something crispy and indulgent, and it turned out to be a hit. The double-fried chicken was incredibly crispy, while the sauce had just the right amount of spice and sweetness. What I love most about this recipe is how it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—the crunchiness of the chicken paired with the sticky, bold sauce makes every bite a treat.
What’s great about Korean Fried Chicken is how versatile it is. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less gochujang, or make it milder by leaving out the chili flakes. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored, making it a great option for meal prepping or serving at a party. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this Korean Fried Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Casual get-togethers
- Game day snacks
- Family dinners
- Korean food lovers
- Spice enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Korean Fried Chicken will become your go-to dish:
- Crispy and Crunchy: The double-fried chicken gives it an irresistibly crispy texture.
- Bold Flavors: The sweet and spicy sauce provides a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken stays juicy and tender inside despite its crispy coating.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness to your liking by modifying the amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
- Perfectly Coated: The batter crisps up beautifully, coating each piece of chicken evenly for a crunchy bite every time.
- Savory and Sweet: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and honey gives a well-rounded depth of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the multi-step process, this recipe can be prepared in under an hour.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish is great for gatherings where everyone can enjoy these crunchy chicken pieces.
- Versatile Sauce: You can use the sauce for other fried foods, like shrimp or tofu.
- Can Be Made Ahead: The chicken can be fried in advance, then reheated with the sauce to maintain its crunch.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Gochujang: This Korean chili paste provides authentic heat and depth of flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a lighter, crispier batter.
- Honey: Balances the heat of the chili paste with sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold water, whisking until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For extra crunch, return the chicken to the oil for another 2-3 minutes. Drain again.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Coat the Chicken:
- Toss in Sauce: Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or a side of pickled vegetables.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Korean Fried Chicken:
- With Steamed Rice: Pair it with fluffy rice to balance the spice.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller pieces as a flavorful starter for a meal.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with kimchi or pickled daikon for a tangy contrast.
- In a Wrap: Wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves for a light and fresh option.
- On a Bun: Serve the chicken on a bun for a delicious twist on a chicken sandwich.
- With Noodles: Serve alongside spicy noodles for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
- As a Snack: Perfect for casual snacking while watching a game or movie.
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra gochujang-based dipping sauce for added heat.
- With Sides: Pair with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) to get the chicken crispy without soaking up too much oil.
- Double-frying is the secret to an ultra-crispy coating, so don’t skip that step!
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pot, as it can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang, depending on your spice tolerance.
- Keep chicken crispy by serving immediately after tossing in the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute the gochujang for a mix of garlic and chili flakes for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Soy Chicken: Add lemon zest to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Crispy Boneless Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs for a bite-sized alternative.
- Vegan Korean Fried “Chicken”: Replace the chicken with battered tofu for a plant-based version.
- Sweet Chili Korean Fried Chicken: Use sweet chili sauce instead of honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Korean Fried Chicken Wings: Make bite-sized wings for a perfect party snack.
- Garlic Parmesan Korean Fried Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in a mix of garlic, butter, and parmesan for a fusion twist.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the chicken evenly and safely.
- Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature and ensure it’s at the right heat.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the batter and tossing the chicken in the sauce.
- Tongs: To carefully lower the chicken into hot oil and remove it.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
- Small Saucepan: For preparing the sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before battering and frying. - How long does the chicken stay crispy?
The chicken is best eaten immediately after it’s tossed in sauce to maintain its crunch. - Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes for a lighter alternative. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven to preserve the crunch. - Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat before using. - What’s a good dipping sauce for Korean Fried Chicken?
Try a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or a soy-based dipping sauce. - How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Keep the chicken crispy by serving immediately after tossing it in the sauce. - Can I make the batter gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the batter. - Can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute with a milder chili paste. - Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, freeze the fried chicken before tossing it in the sauce, then reheat and coat it with sauce before serving.
Conclusion
Korean Fried Chicken is a crispy, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful dish that takes fried chicken to the next level with its perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The chicken is double-fried to achieve that ultra-crispy texture, then coated in a sweet and spicy glaze made from ingredients like gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, soy sauce, and honey. The result is a perfectly balanced coating that’s sticky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy.
This recipe is great for a special meal or a fun snack, and you can pair it with sides like kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple cabbage salad to balance out the richness of the chicken. You can also adjust the heat level to your liking by tweaking the amount of gochujang or adding extra chili flakes. Whether you enjoy it as a meal or as an appetizer for a gathering, Korean Fried Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
I can’t wait to see how your Korean Fried Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your crispy, delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you personalized your chicken!