Korean fried chicken is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine biting into crispy, golden-brown chicken that crackles with each crunch, releasing a burst of savory flavors and an enchanting sweet-and-spicy glaze. refreshing citrus salad The aroma wafts through the air, teasing you with promises of a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect comfort food for those cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends at parties.
I remember the first time I tried Korean fried chicken at a bustling street food market. The vendor’s enthusiasm was contagious as he tossed the freshly fried pieces in a sticky, glossy sauce that glistened under the lights. Each bite transported me to culinary heaven, and from that moment on, I knew this dish had a special place in my heart (and stomach). Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, Korean fried chicken delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Korean fried chicken recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any cook
- The blend of sweet and spicy flavors creates an irresistible taste sensation
- Its crispy texture and vibrant color make it a showstopper at any gathering
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to please everyone
One time, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how addictive this chicken was during our movie marathon night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious turkey soup.
Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy texture, but breasts work too if you’re feeling fancy.
All-Purpose Flour: This will create that crunchy coating we all love; don’t skimp on it.
Rice Flour: A secret ingredient for extra crispiness; trust me on this one.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that light-as-a-feather crunch; it’s like magic dust.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t underestimate their power!
Eggs: They help the flour stick; think of them as glue for deliciousness.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium to control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
Gojujang (Korean Chili Paste): This gives your sauce that iconic kick and sweetness; it’s a must-have! sweet cranberry bread.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and balances the heat; pure liquid gold!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best here; they’ll elevate your sauce with amazing aromas.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in enhancing flavors; just a splash will do.
Sesame Seeds (for garnish): They give your dish visual appeal and a nutty finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
Create the Coating: In one bowl, mix all-purpose flour, rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together until well combined. This blend will create a heavenly crunch.
Dip and Coat: In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first then dredge thoroughly in the flour mix ensuring they’re well coated.
Fry Until Golden: In a deep skillet or fryer heated to 350°F (175°C), carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown (about 8-10 minutes). Don’t overcrowd them! For more inspiration, check out this Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles recipe.
Make the Sauce: While chicken is frying, combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey/maple syrup, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until combined and slightly thickened.
Bathe Your Chicken: Once your chicken is golden perfection, remove it from oil and drain on paper towels briefly before tossing it into the sauce. Coat each piece generously!
Now all that’s left is to garnish with sesame seeds before diving into this crispy goodness! Enjoy every crunchy bite of your homemade Korean fried chicken masterpiece! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.
You Must Know
- Korean Fried Chicken is not just crispy; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite
- The secret lies in the double-frying method, which makes the chicken extra crunchy
- Pair it with a tangy sauce for a delightful experience that will leave everyone begging for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to soak up flavors. Double-fry the chicken for maximum crunchiness, frying first at a lower temperature and then again at a higher temperature.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like garlic powder or ginger during the marinade. You can also experiment with different sauces such as sweet chili or spicy gochujang to elevate your Korean Fried Chicken game. spicy butternut stew.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container to keep it crispy. When reheating, use an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to regain that beloved crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Korean Fried Chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature and crispiness
- Lastly, let your fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crunchy
Sharing my first attempt at Korean Fried Chicken was hilarious. My friends were ready for dinner, but I accidentally made an unintentional “spicy explosion” instead, leaving everyone gasping and laughing while reaching for drinks.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for Korean Fried Chicken?
Using bone-in chicken pieces ensures juiciness and tenderness throughout cooking.
Can I bake Korean Fried Chicken instead of frying?
Baking is possible, but you may lose some of that signature crispiness.
How do I make the sauce for Korean Fried Chicken?
Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and gochujang for a sweet-spicy glaze that’s irresistible.

Korean Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Korean fried chicken is a flavorful dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a sweet-and-spicy glaze. This recipe offers an irresistible crunch and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it the ideal dish for gatherings, game nights, or cozy evenings at home. With its vibrant color and mouthwatering aroma, this Korean fried chicken is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry to ensure crispiness.
- In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk eggs in another bowl. Dip chicken pieces in eggs first, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown (8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey/maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg