Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crunchy textures. Perfect for parties, game days, or just satisfying a craving, this dish features golden-fried wings slathered in a sticky-sweet, spicy gochujang sauce. It’s an irresistible combination of savory and sweet that will make your taste buds dance.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• Chicken Seasoning
• Dry Batter
• Wet Batter
• Yangnyeom Sauce
• How to Make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Step 1: Season the Chicken
• Step 2: Make the Yangnyeom Sauce
• Step 3: Prepare the Batters
• Step 4: Coat the Chicken
• Step 5: First Fry
• Step 6: Second Fry
• Step 7: Sauce & Finish
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Pair with Pickled Radish
• Add Cabbage Slaw
• Serve with Cold Beer
• Present with Dipping Sauces
• Create a Platter
• How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?
• How do I make my Yangnyeom Sauce spicier?
• Can I use other parts of the chicken?
• What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?
• How can I customize my batter?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double frying method ensures an ultra-crunchy coating that stays crispy even after saucing.
• Bold Flavors: The gochujang sauce provides a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or party snack; it’s sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Korean Fried Chicken at home is easier than you think.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning and sauce to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Korean Fried Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot or fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack for cooling
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep Pot or Fryer: Essential for maintaining the right oil temperature for frying, ensuring crispy chicken without sogginess.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for preparing batters and sauces separately to keep things organized.
• Wire Rack: Allows fried chicken to drain excess oil while keeping it crispy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken wings and drumettes (about 16 pieces)
• Peanut oil (or canola/vegetable oil), for frying
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Chicken Seasoning

• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Dry Batter

• ½ cup potato starch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Batter

• ½ cup potato starch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup cold club soda (or cold water)

Yangnyeom Sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup extra spicy gochujang
• ¼ cup rice syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp plum vinegar (or rice vinegar or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

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How to Make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken wings dry. In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub this seasoning generously all over the chicken pieces. Dry brine uncovered in the refrigerator overnight or let sit at room temperature for about one hour.

Step 2: Make the Yangnyeom Sauce

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté the minced garlic in neutral oil until fragrant but not browned. Add the remaining ingredients for the sauce and allow it to bubble gently for 2–3 minutes while stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside. Feel free to prepare this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

In one bowl, combine all dry batter ingredients: potato starch, all-purpose flour, bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne. In another bowl, mix together all wet batter ingredients: potato starch, flour, egg, baking powder, and cold club soda or water until smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter first. Let any excess batter drip off before coating it in the dry batter. Press down slightly on each piece to ensure an even coating and shake off any excess.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat oil in a deep pot until it reaches 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for about 6–7 minutes (7–8 minutes for larger pieces), keeping the oil temperature steady between 320–335°F. Once cooked, place fried chicken on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat the oil to 370°F. Fry each batch of chicken again for about one minute to achieve extra crispiness while ensuring that oil stays above 350°F during this step.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

Once fried hot from the second fry, toss each piece in your prepared Yangnyeom sauce or brush it on evenly with a pastry brush. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately with pickled radish, cabbage slaw, and a cold beer to enhance your Korean Fried Chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a delightful dish that shines on its own but can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your fried chicken experience.

Pair with Pickled Radish

• Sweet and Tangy: The coolness and tartness of pickled radish perfectly balance the rich flavors of the chicken.

Add Cabbage Slaw

• Crunchy Texture: A fresh cabbage slaw adds a crunchy texture and lightens up the meal, making it refreshing.

Serve with Cold Beer

• Perfect Match: Enjoying your Korean Fried Chicken with a cold beer enhances the flavors and makes for a fun dining experience.

Present with Dipping Sauces

• Extra Flavor: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like extra gochujang or soy sauce for those who crave an extra kick.

Create a Platter

• Visual Appeal: For gatherings, arrange the wings on a platter with garnishes like sesame seeds, making it visually appealing for guests.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Achieving the perfect crispy texture and flavor in your Yangnyeom Chicken can take some practice. Here are a few tips to help you master this delicious dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your chicken well before frying; this enhances its flavor throughout.
• Right Oil Temperature: Maintain proper oil temperature while frying; this ensures crispy skin without greasy chicken.
• Double Fry Technique: Don’t skip the second fry; it’s essential for achieving that ultra-crunchy coating.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Incorporating cold club soda in your wet batter creates a lighter, crunchier texture.
• Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack; this keeps it crispy by preventing steam buildup.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

When serving Korean Fried Chicken, complementing it with side dishes can create a full meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Kimchi: This spicy fermented vegetable dish offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of Yangnyeom Chicken.
2. Rice: Steamed white rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up any leftover sauce beautifully.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness pairs well with the spicy chicken, adding an enjoyable crunch.
4. Corn Cheese: This creamy and cheesy dip provides richness that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
5. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and subtly sweet, this salad balances out the bold flavors of fried chicken.
6. Spicy Tofu Salad: Light yet spicy; this salad adds freshness and spice to your meal without overwhelming it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Many people skip this step, but dry brining helps flavor the chicken and keeps it juicy. Always dry brine your chicken for at least one hour.
• Not Maintaining Oil Temperature: If the oil temperature fluctuates too much, your chicken will not cook evenly. Use a thermometer to ensure consistent frying temperatures.
• Overcrowding the Frying Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for maximum crispiness.
• Using Non-Sticky Sauce: If you don’t coat your chicken while it’s hot, the sauce may not stick properly. Toss or brush on the sauce immediately after frying for the best adhesion.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Allowing fried chicken to rest is crucial for maintaining its crunch. Don’t skip this step; let it sit on a wire rack after frying.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Freeze cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Properly stored, it lasts for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is a popular dish known for its ultra-crunchy coating and sticky-sweet gochujang sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.

How do I make my Yangnyeom Sauce spicier?

To add more heat to your Yangnyeom Sauce, increase the amount of gochujang and cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.

Can I use other parts of the chicken?

Yes! While wings and drumettes are traditional, you can also use thighs or breasts if you prefer those cuts.

What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?

Enjoy your Yangnyeom Chicken with pickled radish or cabbage slaw for a refreshing contrast. It pairs well with cold beer too!

How can I customize my batter?

Feel free to experiment with different spices in your dry batter or add herbs like parsley for extra flavor. Adjusting these elements can create unique variations of Korean Fried Chicken!

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is not just a recipe; it’s an experience full of bold flavors and delightful crunch. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is easy to customize according to your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy every crispy bite!

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