Easy Homemade Korean Chicken – Best Dinner Idea

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If you’re searching for the most delicious Korean Fried Chicken recipe this Sweet and Spicy Korean chicken is the ideal option. It has a crispy, irresistible coating and a bold, delicious sauce that achieves the perfect balance between sweet, spicy as well as umami. If you’re making this dish for dinner, a celebration or game night this recipe is guaranteed to give you a dining experience at your home.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Extra-Crispy Texture Double-fried for the most crunch.
  • Genuine Korean Flavors Gochujang-based condiment with the perfect balance of spicy and sweet.
  • Easy to make Easy to Make – Easy ingredients and step-by-step directions.
  • Ideal for any occasion Ideal for the perfect appetizer or main course, or a snack.

What is Korean Fried Chicken?

Korean fried chicken, also known as Chikin (cikin) within Korea is different from the traditional American chicken because of its extremely crispy, thin coating and delicious sauces. Double-frying results in the chicken has a more softer and crisper texture as well as the spicy and sweet glaze, which is made from gochujang (Korean chili paste) and honey, garlic as well as soy sauce gives a strong flavor.

This dish is among the most well-known Korean dishes in the world. It is typically eaten with pickled rice, steamed radishes as well as chilled beer (chimaek).

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, drumsticks or boneless thighs
  • 1 cup of buttermilk (for tenderizing)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Crispy Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of cornstarch (for additional crunch)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 egg, beaten

Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Sauce

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 2 TBSP honey (or brown sugar for more sweetness)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for the tanginess)
  • 2 tbsp of water (to make sure consistency is adjusted)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oils (for an aroma of nutty)

Garnish & Serving

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions finely chopped

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken – Step by Step

Step1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. A large mixing bowl mix chicken buttermilk, salt pepper along with garlic powder.
  2. Cover and chill for at minimum 1 hour (or over night for a more flavor).

Step2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

  1. Separately in a bowl mix cornstarch, flour along with baking soda.
  2. Take chicken out of marinade and shake off the excess liquid.
  3. Dip each piece in the egg and cover it completely in mix of the flour.

Step3: Double-Fry the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

  1. In a deep pan until it reaches 350oF (175degC).
  2. In batches, fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes till golden brown.
  3. Let it sit in 5 mins.
  4. Increase the temperature of oil to 325degF (190degC).
  5. Continue to fry the chicken for another about 3-5 minutes or until it is crisp.

Step4: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

  1. In a pan at medium-low heat, mix gochujang, honey and garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and water.
  2. Mix continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes thicker.
  3. Switch off the heat, and add sesame oil.

Step5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

  1. Put the crispy chicken in an enormous bowl.
  2. Serve the sweet and spicy sauce over the chicken.
  3. Mix well, coating each piece equally.

Step6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Serve with sesame seeds, chopped and sliced green onions.
  2. Serve right away with steaming rice, pickled radishes or Kimchi.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken

How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken

  • Double fry to cook the chicken to eliminate any excess moisture and to increase the crunch.
  • Utilize Cornstarch to coat the surface to get more crisp, lighter texture.
  • Allow the bird to rest in between cooking to ensure crispness.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

  • Reduce the amount of gochujang to get a milder taste.
  • You can add more sweetener like brown sugar or honey to create more sweetness.
  • Mix with Sriracha as well as chiliflakes to add added spice.

What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken

Best Side Dishes

  • Steamed white rice is perfect to soak up sauce.
  • Pickled radish or Kimchi can balance heat.
  • Cold sesame noodles are a refreshing contrast.

Drink Pairings

  • Chimaek (Korean chicken fried and beer) is a classic combination.
  • Sparkling lemonade that is refreshing and balanced with spice.
  • Makgeolli or Soju Makgeolli and soju Traditional Korean pairings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration

  • Remaining food items can be stored in an airtight container at least 3 days.

Reheating

  • Reheat in an oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes in order to keep it crisp.

Freezing

  • Freeze fried chicken that is not coated for up to two months.
  • Mix and reheat prior to serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to bake this instead of cooking it?

Yes. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes. After that, the oven is heated for three minutes. to ensure crispness.

2. What else can I make instead of gochujang?

Mix Sriracha with a bit of miso paste to get an identical taste.

3. Do I have to make this ahead?

Yes. Prepare the chicken for frying ahead and mix in sauce prior to serving.

4. What is the best oil to use to use for cooking?

Make use of canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for the best results.

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Final Thoughts

This sweet and spicy Korean Chicken recipe is crisp, delicious and is perfect for any event. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting an dinner party in the style of Korean or you’re just needing the taste of homemade Korean Fried Chicken This recipe will surely be a hit with your guests.

Make this recipe, and let us know your experiences. Enjoy your meal!

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Easy Homemade Korean Chicken – Best Dinner Idea

Easy Homemade Korean Chicken – Best Dinner Idea


Description

If you’re looking for the best Korean fried chicken recipe, this Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken is the perfect choice. With an irresistibly crispy coating and a bold, flavorful sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and umami. Whether you’re preparing this for dinner, a party, or game night, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality experience at home.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, drumsticks, or boneless thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Crispy Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg, beaten

For the Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Sauce

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for extra sweetness)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for tanginess)
  • 2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)

For Garnish & Serving

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

Step1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).

Step2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid.
  3. Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Step3: Double-Fry the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown.
  3. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Fry chicken again for 3–5 minutes until extra crispy.

Step4: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and water.
  2. Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Turn off heat and mix in sesame oil.

Step5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

  1. Place the crispy fried chicken in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the warm sweet & spicy sauce over the chicken.
  3. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.

Step6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  2. Serve immediately with steamed rice, pickled radishes, or kimchi.

Notes

How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken

  • Double-fry the chicken to remove excess moisture and enhance crunch.
  • Use cornstarch in the coating for a lighter, crispier texture.
  • Let the chicken rest between frying to improve crispiness.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

  • Reduce gochujang for a milder flavor.
  • Add extra honey or brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
  • Mix in Sriracha or chili flakes for more heat.

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