Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: A Spicy Delight

Sizzling and irresistibly crispy, this Korean fried chicken recipe promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Golden-brown wings coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce emerge from the fryer with an unbelievable crunch.

The secret lies in a double-frying technique that guarantees an impossibly crisp exterior.

Marinating the chicken infuses deep, complex flavors that set this dish apart from ordinary fried chicken.

Perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness, these wings deliver a mouthwatering experience that rivals top restaurant offerings.

Restaurants in Seoul would be proud of this authentic preparation that brings Korean street food magic straight to your kitchen.

Grab your apron and get ready to become the hero of your next gathering with this show-stopping chicken dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 5

Korean Fried Chicken Ingredients Checklist

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness, choose fresh and creamy for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• White Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth, freshly ground offers more intense aroma.
• Garlic Salt: Infuses savory garlic notes, opt for high-quality brand with natural ingredients.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior, mix together for extra crunchiness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons coating and adds subtle spiciness.
• Baking Powder: Helps achieve super light and crispy texture.

• Gochujang Paste: Delivers classic Korean spicy-sweet flavor, choose authentic Korean brand.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Balances heat and adds caramelized sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth, select naturally brewed version.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic punch, use fresh for most vibrant flavor.
• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Creates smooth sauce base with nutty undertones.
• Spring Onions, Sesame Seeds, Chili Flakes: Adds fresh crunch, nuttiness, and extra heat for garnish.

Frying Tools You’ll Need for Korean Chicken

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and keeping chicken moist.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing crispy coating mixture.
• Large Pan: Essential for deep frying chicken with hot oil.
• Saucepan: Used for creating spicy Korean-style sauce.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for marinades and sauces.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning chicken during frying.
• Baking Tray: Great for holding coated chicken and keeping fried pieces warm.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping garnishes like spring onions.

How to Make Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

Flavor Infusion

Marinate the chicken in a zesty buttermilk bath, letting it soak up delicious seasonings overnight. This magical step transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Crispy Coating Prep

Create a crunchy armor for your chicken by mixing a secret blend of dry ingredients. This magical dust will give your chicken an irresistible golden exterior that crackles with every bite.

Oil Magic

Heat up your cooking surface until it whispers and sizzles, ready to transform humble chicken into a crispy masterpiece. The perfect temperature is your secret weapon for achieving that legendary crunch.

Saucy Transformation

Craft a spicy-sweet glaze that combines the bold kick of Korean chili paste with the smooth sweetness of honey. This sauce isn’t just a topping – it’s a flavor revolution that’ll make your chicken sing.

Final Flourish

Drench your golden chicken in the vibrant sauce, then shower it with a confetti of green onions and sesame seeds. Each piece becomes a work of art, promising a taste adventure that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Adjusting Sauces for Korean Fried Chicken

• Swap buttermilk with yogurt or kefir for a tangy twist on the marinade, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken every time.
• Adjust gochujang amount to dial heat up or down, creating a personalized sauce that matches your spice tolerance without overwhelming taste buds.
• Prepare coating mixture and sauce a day in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour in the coating for a crispy, gluten-free version that delivers the same satisfying crunch and texture.
• Serve alongside quick pickled cucumber or radish to cut through the richness of the fried chicken, adding a refreshing and palate-cleansing element to the meal.

Ways to Serve Korean Fried Chicken at Home

• Spicy Korean Feast Companions: Pair with steamed white rice or kimchi fried rice for a complete meal experience.
• Crispy Comfort Plate: Serve alongside pickled radishes and cucumber salad to balance the rich, spicy chicken flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare additional sauce on the side for extra drizzling or create a cool yogurt-based dip to complement the heat.
• Social Snack Setup: Arrange chicken on a large platter with scattered green onions and sesame seeds, perfect for sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.

Storage Tips for Korean Fried Chicken

• Flavor Boost Window: Enjoy Korean fried chicken within 24 hours of cooking for maximum crispiness and taste intensity. Flavors remain robust during this delicious timeframe.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers, separating sauce-coated pieces from crispy uncoated ones. Keeps fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator without compromising texture.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crunchiness by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating. Spread pieces in a single layer for even heating.
• Sauce Separation Trick: Keep sauce separately when storing to maintain chicken's crispy exterior. Add fresh sauce just before serving to revive restaurant-quality experience and prevent sogginess.

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory korean fried chicken delights with crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender meat inside. Gochujang sauce and crunchy coating make this dish a perfect blend of spicy, sweet flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts
• 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsps gochujang paste
• 2 tbsps honey
• 4 tbsps brown sugar
• 4 tbsps soy sauce
• 180 g (1 ½ cups) plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tsps minced ginger
• 3 spring onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil for deep frying (at least 1 L/4 cups)

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Instructions

1. Marination: Submerge chicken strips in buttermilk mixture, incorporating seasonings for deep flavor infusion. Refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing ingredients to penetrate meat thoroughly.
2. Preparation: Preheat oven to low temperature for maintaining chicken’s warmth and crispness. Simultaneously, craft a seasoned coating mixture by blending dry ingredients to create a robust, crunchy exterior.
3. Coating Process: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drain. Thoroughly dredge each strip in seasoned mixture, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
4. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil in large skillet until optimal temperature is reached. Strategically fry chicken in batches, achieving golden-brown exterior while guaranteeing internal doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Sauce Creation: Combine gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and complementary oils in saucepan. Bring to aggressive boil, then reduce to gentle simmer until sauce reaches perfect consistency.
6. Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy chicken to warming oven. Generously coat chicken pieces with prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Garnish with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to enhance tenderness and develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate every fiber.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer or bread crumb test to ensure oil hits 350-375°F, preventing soggy or burnt chicken and guaranteeing perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Batch Frying Strategy: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain consistent oil temperature, which ensures even cooking and maximum crunchiness for each chicken piece.
• Sauce Consistency Check: Simmer sauce until it reaches a glossy, clingy texture that perfectly coats chicken without becoming too runny or overly thick.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg