Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) is a crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive dish that has taken the world by storm. Unlike American-style fried chicken, this version is extra crunchy yet incredibly light, thanks to a double-frying techniquethat creates a shatteringly crisp crust. Coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy gochujang-based sauce, every bite bursts with umami, heat, and caramelized goodness.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and perfect crunch, this authentic Korean Fried Chicken recipe will be your new obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Ultra-Crispy Texture – Achieved through double-frying.
✔️ Sweet, Spicy, & Savory Sauce – A perfect balance of flavors.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress guests with a Korean classic.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, incredible results.
✔️ Perfect for Game Nights & Parties – A crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Korean Fried Chicken Sauce:
- ¼ cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for glossiness)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and cold water to create a thin batter.
- Dip each wing into the batter, ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken (Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness!)
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
- Fry the wings in batches for 6-8 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F and fry the chicken again for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add gochujang, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Transfer the crispy wings into a large bowl.
- Pour the warm sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness!
Expert Tips for the Best Korean Fried Chicken
✔️ Use Cold Water in the Batter – This helps create a light and crispy coating.
✔️ Double-Fry for Maximum Crispiness – The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second locks in the crunch.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Butter in the Sauce – It enhances the flavor and gives the wings a beautiful glaze.
✔️ Let the Chicken Rest After Frying – Draining excess oil keeps the texture light and crispy.
✔️ Adjust the Heat Level – Add more or less gochujang and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
What to Serve with Korean Fried Chicken
🍚 Steamed White Rice – A classic pairing to balance the spice.
🥗 Korean Pickled Radish (Chicken Mu) – Refreshing and crunchy.
🍶 Ice-Cold Beer or Soju – The ultimate Korean dining experience!
🥢 Kimchi Fried Rice – A bold, flavorful side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bake or Air-Fry Korean Fried Chicken?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. Or, air-fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
It has a moderate kick. If you want it milder, reduce the gochujang or add more honey.
How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Korean Fried Chicken is an absolute game-changer—crispy, juicy, sweet, spicy, and addictive. This authentic recipecaptures the true flavors of Korea, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and bold taste.
Try this recipe tonight and experience restaurant-quality KFC at home!
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