Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish. Its golden-fried wings are enhanced with an ultra-crunchy batter and coated in a sticky-sweet, spicy gochujang sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or just satisfying a savory-sweet craving, this dish delivers bold Korean flavors that are hard to resist.

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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)
• With Pickled Radish
• Accompanied by Cabbage Slaw
• Paired with Cold Beer
• Served as Game Day Snack
• As Part of a Korean Feast
• With Dipping Sauces
• 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 makes Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) different?
• Can I use other parts of chicken besides wings?
• How spicy is Yangnyeom Chicken?
• What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?
• Can I make Yangnyeom Sauce ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Crunch: The double-frying technique ensures your chicken has that coveted extra crispy texture.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy Yangnyeom sauce packs a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even as party food.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot or deep fryer: Ensures even cooking and helps maintain the right oil temperature for frying.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing batters and mixing ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Aids in combining wet ingredients smoothly for the batter.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off after frying, keeping your chicken crispy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken):

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 the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne.
• Rub this seasoning all over the chicken pieces.
• Dry brine uncovered in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1 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 all remaining sauce ingredients into the pan.
• Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes while stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

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

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

• Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter first, allowing excess to drip off.
• Then coat it thoroughly in the dry batter by pressing it on and shaking off any excess.

Step 5: First Fry

• Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F.
• Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 6–7 minutes (or 7–8 minutes for larger pieces), keeping oil temperature between 320–335°F.
• Place fried chicken on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

• Reheat oil to 370°F.
• Fry chicken again for about 1 minute while ensuring oil stays above 350°F. This step gives extra crispiness to your coating.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

• While still hot from frying, toss chicken in prepared Yangnyeom sauce or brush it evenly on each piece.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Step 8: Serve

• Serve immediately alongside pickled radish and cabbage slaw. Pair with a cold beer for an authentic Korean fried chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The crispy texture and flavorful sauce make it perfect for various occasions. Here are some great ways to enjoy this delicious chicken.

With Pickled Radish

• Crisp and Refreshing: The tangy flavor of pickled radish cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, adding a refreshing bite.

Accompanied by Cabbage Slaw

• Crunchy Contrast: A simple cabbage slaw brings crunch and a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory elements of Yangnyeom Chicken.

Paired with Cold Beer

• Perfect Pairing: Nothing complements Korean Fried Chicken better than a cold beer. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Served as Game Day Snack

• Crowd Pleaser: Serve Yangnyeom Chicken at your next game day gathering. Its bold flavors will be a hit among friends and family.

As Part of a Korean Feast

• Complete Meal: Include other Korean dishes like kimchi or bibimbap for a full culinary experience that showcases various flavors and textures.

With Dipping Sauces

• Extra Flavor: Offer additional dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo for those who enjoy layering on extra flavors.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Achieving the perfect Korean Fried Chicken is all about technique and ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your cooking game.

• Use the Right Oil: Peanut oil or high smoke point oils ensure that your chicken fries perfectly without burning.
• Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Frying the chicken twice makes it incredibly crispy, which is essential for this recipe.
• Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Ensure your chicken wings are dry before applying seasoning. This helps the spices adhere better.
• Chill the Batter: Keeping your wet batter cold when frying helps create a lighter, crispier coating on the chicken.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F during frying. This prevents greasy chicken and ensures even cooking.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Pairing side dishes with your Korean Fried Chicken can enhance the meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some fantastic side options to consider.

1. Kimchi
   A spicy fermented vegetable dish that adds depth and tanginess to your meal.
2. Steamed Rice
   Classic white rice can help balance the strong flavors of the Yangnyeom sauce while soaking up any leftover sauce.
3. Banchan (Side Dishes)
   Various small dishes like pickled vegetables or seasoned greens offer variety and complement the main dish well.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken, making them an excellent pairing.
5. Korean Potato Salad
   Creamy and slightly sweet, this salad adds a mild flavor that contrasts beautifully with Yangnyeom Chicken’s spice.
6. Mandu (Dumplings)
   These Korean dumplings can be steamed or pan-fried, offering another tasty bite alongside your fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the Dry Brining: Not allowing the chicken to dry brine can result in less flavor. Always season and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
• Incorrect Oil Temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can lead to greasy chicken. Use a thermometer and maintain oil between 320–335°F for the first fry and 350–370°F for the second.
• Neglecting the Double Fry: Skipping the second fry means missing out on extra crunch. This step is crucial for that signature crispiness.
• Inconsistent Coating: If you don’t coat evenly, some pieces will be soggy. Make sure to press on the dry batter after dipping in the wet mixture for an even layer.
• Overcooking the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to bubble too long can burn it. Cook just until fragrant and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate but note that this may make it less crispy. Start with 1 minute and check.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) different?

Korean Fried Chicken is known for its unique double frying technique, which creates a super crispy texture, and its flavorful sauce made with gochujang.

Can I use other parts of chicken besides wings?

Yes! While wings are traditional, you can use drumsticks or thighs if you prefer different cuts of meat.

How spicy is Yangnyeom Chicken?

The spice level depends on how much gochujang or cayenne pepper you use. You can adjust it according to your taste preferences!

What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?

Pair it with pickled radish, slaw, or even rice. It’s also great with a cold beer for that authentic experience.

Can I make Yangnyeom Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to toss your fried chicken.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this recipe allows room for customization—add more heat or try different sauces! Don’t hesitate to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

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