Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken [45 Minutes]

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken, also known as Yangnyeom Chicken, is a beloved Korean dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether itโ€™s a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack. With its addictive balance of flavors and irresistible crunch, this Korean fried chicken will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Youโ€™ll love Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken for its perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a bold, flavorful sauce. The sweet and spicy glaze, made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, and honey, provides a unique and delicious taste thatโ€™s hard to resist. This recipe is straightforward and offers an exciting twist on classic fried chicken.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Double-fry the chicken: Double-frying ensures the chicken stays extra crispy, even after being coated in the sauce.
  • Marinate for flavor: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
  • Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent for even frying and crispy results.
  • Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken right after coating it in the sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Boneless option: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for easier eating.
  • Different heat levels: Adjust the amount of gochujang and add more or less chili flakes to control the spice level.
  • Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the batter to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Alternative sweeteners: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if preferred.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with steamed rice, pickled radishes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. For an appetizer, serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken without the sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Toss in the sauce before serving.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep the chicken crispy? Double-frying and serving immediately after coating in the sauce helps keep the chicken crispy.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to crisp up the skin before coating in the sauce.

What is gochujang? Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste that adds a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor to dishes.

Can I use chicken wings? Yes, chicken wings work great for this recipe. Adjust frying time as needed.

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Korean Fried Chicken recipe. A delicious twist on a classic, ideal for an adventurous home cook looking for a taste of Korea.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken wings
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

For Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper, then coat evenly in cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  3. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is dry before coating with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level.
  • Let the sauce cool slightly before tossing with the chicken to prevent sogginess.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1148Total Fat: 71gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 43gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 2385mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 3gSugar: 23gProtein: 45g

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