Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Korean Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful delight that’s perfect for any meal or snack. Coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and bold taste that will have you coming back for more.

A close-up view of crispy fried cauliflower pieces coated in a thick, shiny, dark red sauce, arranged in one layer on a white plate. The cauliflower is sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs and small white sesame seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, making the vibrant colors of the dish stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • Canola oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: ketchup, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set the sauce aside.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels. Toss the hot chicken pieces in the prepared sauce until they are well coated.
  5. Step 5: Serve the Korean fried chicken immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken: fry once until just cooked, let rest briefly, then fry again until golden and crunchy.
  • Substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat.
  • Adjust the gochujang level based on your preferred heat intensity.
  • Serve with pickled radishes or steamed rice to balance the spicy flavors.

Storage

Store leftover Korean fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, warming at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a pile of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, dark red sauce that looks shiny and thick. Each piece is round and bumpy with a crunchy texture. Bright green chopped herbs are scattered evenly on top, adding a fresh contrast. The chicken is served on a simple white plate that sits on a white marbled surface. The colors are rich and warm, highlighting the sauce's deep red and the herbs' bright green. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs or drumsticks work well and tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust frying time as needed based on the size of the pieces.

Is gochujang paste necessary in the sauce?

Gochujang provides the distinctive spicy-sweet flavor characteristic of Korean fried chicken, but you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and a bit of miso for a similar taste if you can’t find it.

Print
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Korean Fried Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy and flavorful Korean Fried Chicken made with tender chicken breast chunks coated in a crunchy cornstarch and flour batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang-based sauce. This recipe delivers an addictive combination of heat, sweetness, and umami, perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Canola oil for frying
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Coat the chicken: In a separate large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour canola oil into a deep frying pan or deep fryer to a depth sufficient for deep frying. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for optimal frying.
  4. Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 5–7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Toss in sauce: While still hot, transfer the fried chicken to a large bowl and pour the prepared sauce over the pieces. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the Korean Fried Chicken immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired to add a fresh and nutty finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
  • Gochujang paste imparts authentic Korean heat and flavor; adjust amount to taste for spiciness.
  • You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier chicken, adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Drain the fried chicken well to prevent sogginess before tossing in sauce.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Keywords: Korean fried chicken, spicy fried chicken, gochujang chicken, crispy chicken, Asian fried chicken

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