Make ultra crispy Korean fried chicken at home using the double-fry technique. This recipe features juicy chicken coated in an addictive sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day appetizers.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:55 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:None
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs chicken pieces (wings, drumettes, or thighs)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup potato starch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet & Spicy Glaze:
1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Garnish:
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Prepare the dry coating: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the potato starch, flour, and baking powder.
Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the dry coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
First Fry: Heat about 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 not to overcrowd the pot, for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is key for the ultra crispy coating.
Prepare the glaze: While the chicken rests, combine all glaze ingredients (Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Carefully return the rested chicken to the hot oil in batches. Fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and shatteringly crisp. Drain immediately on a clean wire rack.
Glaze and Serve: Place the hot, double-fried chicken into a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the chicken and toss quickly until every piece is evenly coated. Arrange on a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best results, use potato starch in the coating; it helps create the signature thin, crackly crust associated with restaurant-style Korean fried chicken.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Gochujang or substitute some of it with ketchup.
Keep the oil temperature consistent during both frying stages to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil.