Crispy Korean Fried Chicken

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This Korean Fried Chicken is irresistibly crispy and coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that will elevate your next dinner. The combination of crispy fried chicken and the flavorful Gochujang-based sauce creates an unforgettable dish perfect for serving at parties or enjoying with your family. The quick cook time and simple ingredients make this recipe an easy choice when you crave something bold and flavorful.

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Why You’ll Love This Korean Fried Chicken

• Crispy Crunch: Coated in cornstarch, the chicken turns perfectly crispy, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Sticky & Flavorful: The sauce is sweet, spicy, and tangy, coating the chicken beautifully and bringing out its rich flavor.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a party dish.
• Versatile: You can use wings, thighs, or even baked chicken for this recipe, making it adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into 1-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized morsels.
• ¼ cup flour: Provides a light coating that crisps up during frying.
• 2 large eggs: Helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
• ½ cup cornstarch: Gives the chicken its signature crunch and crispiness.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Enough to submerge the chicken for even frying.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and crunch as a topping.

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup Korean Gochujang (red pepper paste): The base for the sauce, bringing a spicy and slightly fermented flavor.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tang to balance the sweetness and spice.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce, creating that sticky glaze.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami to the sauce.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces in flour until evenly coated.
   • Next, dip each piece in the beaten eggs and then dredge in cornstarch to coat completely.
   • Set aside while you prepare the sauce and heat the oil.

2. Make the Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a large glass bowl, whisk together the Gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil:
   • In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
   • Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

1. Toss in Sauce:
   • Once the chicken is fried and drained, add it to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss the chicken pieces until fully coated.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Cooking Tips

• Perfect Frying: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (375°F) for crispy results. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Sauce Variations: If you want a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of Gochujang or substitute with a milder chili paste.
• Chicken Alternatives: Though thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their juiciness, you can use chicken wings or even baked chicken for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve this crispy chicken over a bed of steamed rice to make a complete meal.
• On the Side: Pair with a simple vegetable side like sautéed greens or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• As Appetizers: Serve these Korean Fried Chicken pieces as a party appetizer or snack, offering them with extra dipping sauce on the side.

Storage & Reheating

1. Storage:
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating:
   • Reheat the chicken in the oven to preserve the crispiness. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

With its crispy texture and bold flavor, this Korean Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or as a dish to impress guests, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!