Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Magic 🍗🇰🇷

Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Magic 🍗🇰🇷

 

Korean fried chicken, or "chikin" (치킨) as it's commonly called in Korea, is one of the country's most beloved dishes. What sets it apart from other types of fried chicken? It's the ultra-crispy texture, the perfectly balanced sauce, and the deliciously addictive flavor that keeps you reaching for "just one more piece." 🐔✨ Whether you're craving the classic soy garlic glaze or a fiery gochujang-based sauce, this recipe has got you covered!

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make authentic Korean fried chicken at home, with tips to get that famous crunch and signature flavor.

 

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

 

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a plate of mouthwatering Korean fried chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 kg (about 2 lbs) chicken wings or drumettes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold water
• Oil for frying (preferably vegetable or canola oil)

 

For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste) 🌶️
• 3 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar (rice or apple cider vinegar works great)
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons ketchup for extra tang

 

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

 

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces with a paper towel.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the batter.

 

2. Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, flour, and cold water to create a smooth, thick batter.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This batter will give the chicken its signature crispy shell!

 

3. Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 170°C (340°F).
2. Fry the chicken in batches for about 6-8 minutes until golden but not fully crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
3. Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F). Fry the chicken a second time for 2-3 minutes. This step locks in the crunch and ensures the chicken stays crispy even after saucing.

 

4. Prepare the Sauce

1. While the chicken rests, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed.

 

5. Toss and Serve

1. Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

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🍴 Tips for Perfect Korean Fried Chicken

 

• Use Potato Starch for Maximum Crunch: Potato starch gives the batter that airy, crispy texture that’s a hallmark of Korean fried chicken.
• Double-Frying is Non-Negotiable: The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry crisps it up. Don’t skip this step!
• Customize Your Sauce: Prefer less heat? Use more honey and soy sauce. Want it spicier? Add some extra gochujang or chili flakes.
• Serve Immediately: Korean fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when it’s still crispy and the sauce is warm.

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🍻 How to Enjoy Korean Fried Chicken

 

In Korea, fried chicken is almost always paired with beer (a combo affectionately called "치맥," or chimaek). If you’re not a beer drinker, a fizzy soda like Sprite is a great alternative. Korean fried chicken also pairs beautifully with pickled radish (단무지), which helps cut through the richness of the dish.

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💡 Fun Facts About Korean Fried Chicken

 

• Korean fried chicken became popular during the 1970s and has since evolved into a global phenomenon.
• Unlike Western fried chicken, Korean fried chicken uses thinner batter and is fried twice for an irresistibly crispy texture.
• There are endless variations of sauces, from soy garlic to honey butter! 🍯

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Try This Recipe and Share Your Creation!

 

Making Korean fried chicken at home is a labor of love, but the reward is absolutely worth it. 🥰 Whether you’re hosting a party, having a movie night, or simply indulging in comfort food, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. What’s your favorite sauce to pair with Korean fried chicken? Let’s talk chicken!

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