Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is a dish that brings me back to my favorite Korean barbecue spots, where the air is filled with a delightful aroma of fried chicken. I remember the first time I tried it; the crispy coating gave way to juicy, tender chicken, and the spicy sauce added a whole new level of flavor. It was love at first bite! Now, I find myself craving this dish any time I want to impress friends or just enjoy a comforting meal at home.

When I make Korean Fried Chicken, it becomes a delightful experience in my kitchen. The thrill of frying is like a mini celebration, where I can hear the chicken sizzling in the hot oil, and the anticipation builds as I wait for that golden color to develop. The sweet and spicy sauce is the cherry on top—it’s robust and flavorful, making each piece addictive. The best part? It’s not just a meal; it’s an event. I love serving it with friends and watching them enjoy every crispy bite.

So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, Korean Fried Chicken is the perfect dish to bring everyone together and create unforgettable moments around the table. Trust me, once you experience this crispy, spicy goodness, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

What You Need for Korean Fried Chicken

The ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken are what truly make this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature crunch and flavor. From the tender chicken to the spicy and sweet sauce, these ingredients work harmoniously together to create a mouthwatering meal.

• 2 pounds chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch chunks, this is the star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender base.
• 1 cup cornstarch – This gives the chicken a crispy coating when fried.
• 1/4 cup flour – Gluten-free works as well, it adds to the crunchiness of the coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – Provides a subtle kick to the seasoning.
• 2 eggs – Beaten, these help the coating stick to the chicken.
• Canola oil – For frying, it has a high smoke point, ideal for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• 1/4 cup ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons gochujang paste – A must for that authentic spicy flavor.
• 1/4 cup honey – Balances the spice with sweetness.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds depth to the sauce.
• 1/3 cup soy sauce – Provides umami and richness.
• 1/2 cup water – Helps to adjust the sauce consistency.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced, for a fragrant flavor boost.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – For an extra kick of heat.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Used in the sauce for thickening.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil – Adds a nutty finish to the dish.

How to Cook Korean Fried Chicken

Cooking Korean Fried Chicken is an exciting process that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Let’s dive into the step-by-step journey of making this crunchy, flavorful dish.

1. In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined and set aside. This sauce will be the star of your chicken, providing that unique blend of flavors.
2. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. This dry mixture is what will create that irresistible crunch on your chicken.
3. In another bowl, add the beaten eggs. This will help the coating stick to the chicken chunks, allowing them to fry up beautifully.
4. In a deep frying pan, pour about 2 inches of canola oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil needs to be hot enough so that when you add the chicken, it sizzles immediately.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Next, take the coated chicken chunks and toss them in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered. This double-dipping technique is crucial for that extra crunch.
7. Once coated, arrange the pieces on a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes, if you can. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
8. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You want to maintain the oil’s temperature to get that golden color. Fry until the chicken is golden and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes, turning as needed.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step is important for keeping the chicken crispy.
10. After discarding the oil, return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce you prepared earlier. Make sure every piece is well-coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
11. Serve your Korean Fried Chicken with a sprinkle of green onion and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy the crunch and explosion of flavors!

Expert Tips about Korean Fried Chicken

Making Korean Fried Chicken is a rewarding experience, especially when you know these expert tips. Here’s how to perfect your cooking:

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can last up to three days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Pair it with kimchi or a fresh salad for a wonderful contrast in flavors.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness instead of the microwave.
• Adjusting Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang in the sauce to suit your heat preference.
• Serving Size: While the recipe says it serves four, it can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Side Dish Ideas for Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can be enhanced with the right side dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, white rice balances the spicy sauce and complements the fried chicken perfectly.
• Kimchi: This fermented side dish adds crunch and tanginess, making it a must-have with fried chicken.
• Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickled carrots or radishes cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw: A fresh slaw adds a nice crunch and a creamy element that goes well with the spicy chicken.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried veggies bring a colorful and nutritious touch to your meal.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing can balance the flavors and provide freshness.
• Beer-Battered Onion Rings: For a fun twist, serve onion rings for a crunchy side that complements the chicken.
• Occasions: Korean Fried Chicken is perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner, making it a versatile choice for different occasions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Korean Fried Chicken lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that can bring friends and family together around the table. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste the crispy, spicy goodness, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious recipe—you won’t regret it!

Korean Fried Chicken

The ultimate comfort food! Korean Fried Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and a little bit spicy. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own, this easy weeknight dinner will quickly become a favorite. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Chicken Breast Cut into 1-inch chunks.
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1/4 cup Flour Gluten-free works as well.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 2 eggs Eggs Beaten.
• Canola Oil Canola Oil For frying.
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 3 tablespoons Gochujang Paste Add more or less, depending on heat preference.
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/2 cup Water
• 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined and set aside. This sauce will be the star of your chicken, providing that unique blend of flavors.
• In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. This dry mixture is what will create that irresistible crunch on your chicken.
• In another bowl, add the beaten eggs. This will help the coating stick to the chicken chunks, allowing them to fry up beautifully.
• In a deep frying pan, pour about 2 inches of canola oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil needs to be hot enough so that when you add the chicken, it sizzles immediately.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated.
• Next, take the coated chicken chunks and toss them in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered. This double-dipping technique is crucial for that extra crunch.
• Once coated, arrange the pieces on a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes, if you can. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
• Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You want to maintain the oil's temperature to get that golden color. Fry until the chicken is golden and crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes, turning as needed.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step is important for keeping the chicken crispy.
• After discarding the oil, return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce you prepared earlier. Make sure every piece is well-coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
• Serve your Korean Fried Chicken with a sprinkle of green onion and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy the crunch and explosion of flavors!

Notes

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can last up to three days in the fridge.

You can freeze the fried chicken for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Pair it with kimchi or a fresh salad for a wonderful contrast in flavors.

For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness instead of the microwave.

Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang in the sauce to suit your heat preference.

While the recipe says it serves four, it can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Keyword Crispy Korean Chicken, Fried Chicken, Korean Cuisine, Spicy Chicken Recipe

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!