Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken, known for its ultra-crispy crust and sweet, spicy, and sticky glaze, has become a global favorite. Unlike traditional American fried chicken, this version is double-fried for extra crunch and typically coated with a bold, flavorful sauce made from gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, and soy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Korean Fried Chicken offers a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The chicken stays incredibly crispy even after being tossed in sauce, while the glaze delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. It’s a crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or even a flavorful weeknight meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings or drumettes

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Cornstarch or potato starch

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Cold water

• Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• Soy sauce

• Rice vinegar

• Honey or corn syrup

• Garlic, minced

• Sesame oil

• Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

• Green onions (optional for garnish)

• Vegetable oil for frying

directions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.

2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and cold water to make a batter. Dip the chicken into the batter until well coated.

3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 7–8 minutes until light golden. Remove and let them rest for 5 minutes.

4. Reheat the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken a second time for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

5. For the sauce, combine gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Toss the double-fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Boneless Chicken: Use boneless thigh or breast pieces for easier eating.

• Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of gochujang or use a mild chili paste.

• Extra Crispy: Add a splash of vodka or rice wine to the batter for an even crispier finish.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

What makes Korean Fried Chicken different from regular fried chicken?

Korean Fried Chicken is double-fried, which makes it extra crispy, and it’s usually coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce.

Can I make this recipe without gochujang?

Yes, you can substitute with sriracha or another chili sauce, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Is Korean Fried Chicken very spicy?

It has a medium spice level, but the heat can be adjusted by altering the amount of gochujang used.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of wings?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well, just cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, are ideal.

Why is the chicken double-fried?

Double frying ensures the chicken remains crispy even after being coated in sauce.

Can I freeze Korean Fried Chicken?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the fried (unsauced) chicken for up to a month. Reheat in an oven and then coat with freshly made sauce.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, but you may want to reduce or omit the chili paste for a milder version.

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, but combine them just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Korean Fried Chicken is a must-try dish that delivers bold flavors and irresistible crunch. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent dinner, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With options to adjust the spice level and even cook it in an air fryer, it’s a modern classic you’ll return to again and again.