This Korean Fried Chicken comes together in about 40 minutes and uses simple frying for a easy meal that your family will love! Switch up the spices or the sauce to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal, whatever you’ve got will work in this recipe! Trust me; you’ll want to make this a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation!

Ingredient Breakdown

Getting started with my Korean Fried Chicken is super simple! Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Chicken Pieces
Buttermilk
All-Purpose Flour
Cornstarch
Salt and Black Pepper
Gochujang Sauce
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
Oil for Frying

How to Make Korean Fried Chicken

Alright, let’s get cookin’! Here’s the step-by-step to your new favorite recipe:

Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight if you’ve got the time. This will tenderize the meat and soak in tons of flavor. Cover it and pop it in the fridge while you daydream about how delicious your dinner is going to be!
Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want to make sure it’s all blended, so give it a nice whisk for a few seconds. The smell? Oh man, it’s already coming together!
Dredge the Chicken: Once your chicken is marinated, take it out from the fridge and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat every side evenly. You’ll want that thick, crunchy crust, so don’t be shy with it!
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want it to reach around 350°F (or until it sizzles when you sprinkle a little flour in there). Keep an eye on the heat, as it can fluctuate a bit.
Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it’ll make everything soggy. Instead, let the pieces work their magic in the oil, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Drain the Chicken: Once crispy and golden, remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps keep everything nice and crunchy for later!
Toss in Gochujang Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the gochujang sauce over low heat until warm. Spin your fried chicken in the sauce to coat it well. Oh my goodness, the smell of the gochujang wafting through the air is heavenly!
Serve Hot and Enjoy: Serve your gorgeous Korean Fried Chicken hot, straight from the frying pan, and enjoy every flavorful, crispy bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving comfort food with a fun twist! It’s quick to whip up, and man, the best part is, you can tailor it to what you have around. From the sweet and spicy sauce to the crispy coating, every bite is a flavor explosion. Plus, my family devours it seriously, it’s such a hit! I’m a real sucker for anything fried, and this chicken just hits different. Just trust me; you’ll be making it again and again!

If you loved this Korean Fried Chicken, be sure to check out my Korean Chicken Bao, my Korean BBQ Meatballs, or my Korean-Style Potato Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Crowd-Pleaser

Let’s just say, the whole family will love it! It’s crispy, it’s crunchy, and it’s packed with flavor. So whether it’s a busy weeknight or weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress.

Customizable

Feeling adventurous? You can customize the sauce with your favorite flavors. Not in the mood for spicy? You might opt for a sweet soy glaze instead. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, it just hits different each time!

Budget-Friendly

Using everyday ingredients means you won’t break the bank with this recipe. Chicken, flour, and a few pantry staples, they’re all pretty easy to find and budget-friendly!

Meal Prep Friendly

Want to meal prep? Perfect! You can marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge overnight. And once fried, leftovers can easily be packed away for lunch, you can reheat in an air fryer for that crispy texture again!

Comfort Food

This Korean Fried Chicken just hits the spot on those chilly nights. Just think about it warm, crispy goodness enveloped in spicy sauce; it’s like a big, cozy hug on your plate.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Enjoy This

Serve your crispy Korean Fried Chicken with a side of steamed rice, some refreshing cucumber salad, or even with a heap of fresh veggies. It’s fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a refreshing beverage, and maybe even a bit of kimchi for an added tang!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though, let’s be real, they might not last long!), they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, I highly recommend using an air fryer if you have one. It’ll restore that glorious crunch in no time! Preheat it to 350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. If you don’t have an air fryer, popping it in the oven at 375°F works too, just remember it may not be quite as crispy.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this dish is freezer friendly! Just be sure to let the fried chicken cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and then, once again, air fry or bake for the best texture.

And there you have it! Your new favorite dinner recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I can’t wait for you to try this and hear how your family loved it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!