Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken (Crispy & Flavor-Packed Recipe)

The scent of garlic and ginger sizzling away always takes me back. I remember standing on tiptoes at the stove, watching my mom fry golden chicken wings until they crackled with crispness. These days, I recreate that same feeling with this Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken — sticky, crunchy, just a little fiery.
This Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken recipe is perfect when you want something comforting but fun, especially for sharing around the table. And whenever I crave crispy wings, this Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is my go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Fried Chicken

This Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is all about texture and flavor. The chicken stays juicy inside, with a shatteringly crispy coating thanks to cornstarch. After frying, each wing gets tossed in a rich glaze — savory soy sauce, sweet honey, fiery gochujang, and aromatic ginger and garlic.

You’ll love this recipe if you crave bold, cozy flavors. It’s great for beginners too, as the steps are simple and foolproof. Korean food lovers will especially appreciate the authentic but approachable flavors. This Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken makes any gathering feel special. Also, the sauce is easy to tweak for spice lovers or those who like it milder!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 kg chicken wings
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

First, pat your chicken wings dry. This helps them get extra crisp. Season well with salt and pepper. Next, coat them evenly in cornstarch. Shake off any extra cornstarch before frying.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Wings

Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in small batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let them drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

While chicken rests, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Toss and Garnish

Then, let the sauce cool just a bit so it clings well. Toss the fried chicken wings in the sauce until glossy and evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a bright finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Korean Fried Chicken

For the best crunch, double-fry your chicken. Fry once to cook through, then again to crisp up before tossing in the sauce. Also, you can marinate the wings in buttermilk for an hour for even juicier meat.

It’s important to maintain a steady oil temperature while frying. Use a thermometer for accuracy. And serve the chicken right after tossing in sauce for the best texture!

Easy Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less gochujang. For a gluten-free option, swap the cornstarch for gluten-free flour and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free too.

If you prefer, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice and crunchy pickled radish. A simple salad adds a fresh contrast. For fun gatherings, serve with a variety of dipping sauces and icy drinks like cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea.

Looking for a fun game day option? My easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe for game day would be a perfect complement!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, refrigerate the chicken for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

When reheating, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until hot and crispy again. Then toss with fresh sauce for the best results.

FAQs

Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

If you love cozy takeout-style dishes, you’ll also enjoy my delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry, quick 3-ingredient Orange Chicken, or savory Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken brings joy and a bit of adventure to your table. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, you can check out my Pinterest boards for more Korean-inspired favorites.