Make restaurant-style Korean Fried Chicken at home using the double-fry method for an ultra-crispy crust and juicy interior. Choose between a savory Soy Garlic glaze or a sweet and spicy Gochujang glaze for this ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Author:katereilly
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:60 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs chicken pieces (wings or boneless thighs), cut into uniform size
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cold water or club soda
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Glaze (Choose One):
Soy Garlic Glaze: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey or corn syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Sweet & Spicy Glaze: 1/2 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1/4 cup honey or corn syrup, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, potato starch (or cornstarch), baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold water or club soda until you have a thin, slightly lumpy batter. Do not overmix.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. You want a thin coating.
First Fry (Cooking): Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 325°F (160°C). Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes.
Second Fry (Crisping): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the rested chicken to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and extremely crispy. Drain well on a clean wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken rests, combine the ingredients for your chosen glaze (Soy Garlic or Sweet & Spicy) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Toss and Serve: Place the hot, crispy chicken in a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the chicken and toss quickly to coat every piece evenly. Garnish immediately with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve right away for the best texture.
Notes
The double-fry method is the secret to achieving that shatteringly crisp coating that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce.
Using potato starch or a mix of starches over all-purpose flour helps create a thinner, crispier crust characteristic of authentic Korean Fried Chicken.
If you prefer a less spicy glaze, reduce the amount of Gochujang and add a little more honey or sugar.