Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 -6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings or boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Slowly add cold water, stirring until a thick batter forms.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the batter until fully coated.

Step 2: First Fry for a Crispy Coating

  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until light golden brown.
  • Remove and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 3: Second Fry for Extra Crunch

  • Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  • Fry the chicken a second time for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and extra crispy.
  • Remove and let it rest while preparing the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

  • In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in gochujang, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and water.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes, then add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

  • Add the crispy fried chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  • Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled radish, or a cold beer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-5 pieces of chicken
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g