Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

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Introduction

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible crunch of double-fried chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Known as “Yangnyeom Chicken” in Korea, this dish is a favorite at gatherings, celebrations, or as a satisfying indulgence. With its crispy coating and bold sauce, this fried chicken is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a new go-to recipe for chicken lovers.

I remember the first time I made this for a casual lunch with friends. The smell of the sizzling chicken and the spicy-sweet glaze filling the kitchen had everyone eagerly waiting to dig in. What makes Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors—the crunch of the double-fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the sticky, rich glaze that clings to every bite.

This dish is incredibly versatile, too. You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference, adding more gochujang for a fiery kick or dialing it back for a milder flavor. Serve it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a side of pickled radish to round out the meal.

Despite its impressive flavors, this fried chicken is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few key ingredients and a bit of patience for double-frying, you can recreate the iconic taste of Korean street food at home. Whether for a party, a family dinner, or a game-day treat, Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Game nights
  • Family lunch
  • Parties and potlucks
  • Korean cuisine enthusiasts
  • Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Ultra-Crispy Coating: Double-frying creates a light, shatteringly crisp crust that stays crunchy even under the sauce.
  • Bold, Complex Sauce: A perfect harmony of sweetness, heat, and umami flavors that clings to every bite of chicken.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your preference with more or less gochujang (Korean chili paste).
  • Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s fun to eat and perfect for gatherings.
  • Authentic Flavors: Experience the delicious taste of Korean cuisine right in your home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
  • 1 cup potato starch (or cornstarch)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for deep frying

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Gochujang: A staple in Korean cooking, this fermented chili paste adds depth, heat, and sweetness.
  • Potato Starch: Ensures a crispier crust than flour or cornstarch.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Provide a robust, aromatic base for the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a tangy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken wings or drumettes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Coat with Starch: Dredge each piece of chicken in potato starch, ensuring an even, light coating. Shake off any excess starch.

Fry the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. First Fry: Fry the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes, or until light golden. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  3. Double Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Toss the Chicken: Transfer the fried chicken into a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish the Chicken: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  2. Serve Hot: Serve immediately with steamed rice, pickled radish, or your favorite Korean side dishes.

How to Serve

  • With Korean Side Dishes: Pair with kimchi, pickled radish, or japchae for a full Korean feast.
  • As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
  • With Rice: Complement the bold flavors with steamed white or jasmine rice.
  • In a Wrap: Use lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken for a fun and fresh twist.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Oil: For the best flavor and crispiness, use clean frying oil.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crunch.
  • Adjust the Spice: Add more honey for sweetness or more gochujang for heat.
  • Keep it Hot: Serve immediately for the crispiest results.

Recipe Variations

  1. Honey Garlic Korean Fried Chicken
  2. Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken
  3. Spicy Gochujang Fried Chicken
  4. Sweet Chili Korean Fried Chicken
  5. Sticky Orange Korean Fried Chicken
  6. Lemon Pepper Korean Fried Chicken
  7. Teriyaki Korean Fried Chicken
  8. BBQ Korean Fried Chicken
  9. Mango Habanero Korean Fried Chicken
  10. Garlic Parmesan Korean Fried Chicken

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store sauce separately. Freeze fried chicken for up to 2 months and reheat in an oven.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment

  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wire rack for draining
  • Tongs for frying
  • Mixing bowl for tossing

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, thighs or breasts work well.
  2. What’s a substitute for gochujang? Use Sriracha or chili garlic sauce with a touch of sugar.
  3. Can I bake instead of fry? Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for extra crispiness.
  4. Can I make it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure starch and gochujang are gluten-free.
  5. What pairs well with this dish? Pickled radish, rice, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is the ultimate indulgence for lovers of bold flavors and satisfying textures. With its crispy, golden coating and sticky glaze, each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat that will leave you craving more.

This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends or serving at gatherings to impress your guests with the authentic taste of Korean cuisine. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken brings vibrant flavor and irresistible crunch to any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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