Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

The Ultimate Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe for Food Lovers

Crispy korean fried chicken sits at the pinnacle of irresistible comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Intense flavors burst through a perfectly golden exterior, making taste buds dance with excitement.

Crunchy and succulent, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure straight from seoul’s vibrant street food scene.

Each bite delivers a magical combination of textures that will have you swooning.

Marinating the meat unlocks deep, complex seasonings that elevate the entire experience.

Spicy-sweet sauce coats each morsel, creating an addictive blend of heat and satisfaction.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and become the neighborhood’s unofficial korean fried chicken expert.

Prepare to impress with a dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Why Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Is Totally Craveable

  • Nail Perfect Crispiness: Master the art of achieving an incredibly crunchy exterior by carefully drying chicken and using a dual-layer coating technique that guarantees maximum texture.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Dish: Impress family and friends with a professional-level Korean fried chicken that rivals top restaurants, bringing authentic Korean street food right to your kitchen.
  • Quick Flavor Explosion: Develop a mouthwatering sauce with gochujang that transforms simple chicken into a bold, sweet-spicy sensation that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a universally loved dish that works perfectly for game nights, casual gatherings, or when you're craving something deliciously satisfying and packed with exciting flavors.

What You Need for Authentic Korean Fried Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Pieces: Juicy meat that serves as the base for this crispy Korean-style dish.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a light and super crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Eggs, Water, Salt, Pepper: Helps the dry coating stick to the chicken and adds seasoning.
Frying and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying at high temperatures with a neutral flavor.
  • Gochujang: Spicy Korean chili paste that provides a rich, complex heat to the sauce.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky coating.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness to balance the sweet and spicy elements.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Korean flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, toasted essence to the sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sauce's sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Sesame Seeds, Chopped Green Onions: Add texture, color, and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How to Make That Extra Crunchy Korean Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Pat chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy chicken, so take your time to ensure each piece is thoroughly dried.

Step 2: Create Magical Coating Mixtures

Prepare two separate bowls for coating:
  • Flour mixture bowl
  • Egg wash mixture bowl

Step 3: Dredge Chicken in Delicious Layers

Coat each chicken piece by first rolling in flour mixture, then dipping thoroughly in egg wash. Ensure complete and even coverage for the ultimate crispy exterior.

Step 4: Heat Oil to Perfect Frying Temperature

Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Bring oil temperature to 350°F using a kitchen thermometer. Consistent temperature is key to achieving golden perfection.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Deliciousness

Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 8-10 minutes until chicken turns beautifully golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Drain and Prep for Saucing

Remove chicken pieces and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels. This step helps maintain the incredible crispiness you’ve worked hard to achieve.

Step 7: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan:
  • Gochujang
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Sesame oil
  • Brown sugar

Step 8: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

Cook sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Watch for a slightly thickened and glossy consistency that will cling beautifully to the chicken.

Step 9: Coat Chicken in Sauce Goodness

Toss fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly coated with the delicious glaze.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the sauced chicken. Serve right away to enjoy the ultimate crispy, saucy Korean fried chicken experience.

Expert Tips for Fried Chicken with a Kick

  • Pat Dry for Peak Crispiness: Remove all moisture from chicken using paper towels to guarantee an ultra-crispy exterior that doesn't get soggy.
  • Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain 350°F, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken and ensuring perfect golden-brown results.
  • Layer Coating for Maximum Crunch: Double-dip chicken in flour mixture then egg wash to create a thick, protective coating that locks in juiciness and develops a satisfying crackly texture.
  • Balance Sauce and Texture: Apply warm sauce right before serving to preserve chicken's crispiness, preventing sogginess while ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
  • Drain Smartly for Crisp Retention: Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam buildup and maintain that signature crunch.

Flavor Variations for Korean Fried Chicken Fans

  • Spicy Buffalo Korean Fusion: Replace gochujang with buffalo sauce, adding cayenne pepper for extra heat while maintaining the crispy chicken technique.
  • Garlic Parmesan Korean Style: Mix grated parmesan cheese into flour mixture, swap sauce ingredients with garlic butter and herbs for an Italian-Korean crossover.
  • Honey Mustard Korean Crunch: Create a honey mustard sauce using Dijon mustard, honey, and Korean chili flakes, keeping the double-coating method for ultimate crispiness.
  • Teriyaki Glaze Edition: Substitute sauce ingredients with classic teriyaki elements like mirin, sake, and soy sauce, maintaining the original frying technique for perfectly crisp chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken

  • Pair Spicy Soju Cocktail: Blend crisp soju with fresh cucumber and a splash of ginger for a refreshing drink that cuts through the chicken's richness.
  • Crunch-Complementing Pickled Radishes: Prepare quick Korean-style pickled radishes with rice vinegar and sugar to provide a tangy, cool counterpoint to the spicy, hot chicken.
  • Cool Cucumber Salad Sidekick: Whip up a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to balance the intense flavors and offer a refreshing contrast.
  • Asian Beer Companion: Select a light Korean beer like Hite or Cass to cleanse the palate and complement the spicy, crispy chicken with its crisp, clean finish.

Storage Tips for Keeping Korean Chicken Crunchy

  • Store leftover Korean fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the crispy coating separate from the sauce to maintain crunchiness.
  • Wrap individual pieces of unsauced fried chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 1 month to preserve quality and texture.
  • Revive refrigerated chicken by baking in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, placing on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and restore original crispiness.
  • Keep any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, using it as a delicious dipping sauce or for future chicken batches.

Korean Chicken FAQs You Shouldn’t Miss

  • What makes the coating extra crispy?

The dual-layer coating of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crunchy exterior that helps the chicken stay crisp even after being sauced.

  • Why is it important to pat the chicken dry?

Removing excess moisture ensures the coating adheres better and creates a crispier, golden-brown exterior during frying.

  • How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to check that the oil is precisely at 350°F, which prevents greasy chicken and ensures even cooking.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute with a milder chili sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.

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Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken promises a flavor explosion of crunchy goodness with its signature double-fried technique. Tangy gochujang sauce and irresistible golden coating will make you crave this Seoul-inspired delicacy that brings Korean street food magic right to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 chicken thighs or 6 chicken wings
  • 1 kg / 2.2 lbs chicken pieces

Coating and Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Frying and Garnish:

  • 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken pieces by patting them completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
  2. Create a dual-layer coating by mixing flour and cornstarch in one bowl, and whisking eggs with water, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece first in the dry flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, ensuring full and even coverage.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout frying.
  5. Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels to preserve crispiness.
  7. For the sauce, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a saucepan.
  8. Simmer sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  9. Toss fried chicken pieces in the warm sauce, coating evenly and thoroughly.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving immediately for maximum texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Pat chicken pieces thoroughly dry to achieve an extra crispy exterior that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
  • Use a blend of flour and cornstarch for an incredibly light, crunchy coating that stands up to the saucy glaze.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy chicken and ensure a perfectly golden-brown crunch.
  • Drain fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the skin crisp and prevent soggy bottoms that can ruin the texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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