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 itโs 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
Youโll 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 thatโs 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
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
- Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper, then coat evenly in cornstarch.
- 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.
- 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.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1148Total Fat: 71gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 43gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 2385mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 3gSugar: 23gProtein: 45g






