Korean Spicy Chicken

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Korean Spicy Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) with the savory depth of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. This dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and umami, with crispy, tender chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love vibrant, layered flavors, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

The first time I made Korean Spicy Chicken, I was amazed by how quickly the flavors melded together. The chicken became perfectly crispy on the outside, while the sauce coated each piece, creating a mouthwatering combination of spice and sweetness. What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang, or even throw in some vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra texture. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers a big punch of flavor with minimal effort!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game nights
• Korean food lovers
• Spicy food enthusiasts
• Weeknight meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Korean Spicy Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Bold and Spicy Flavor: The rich heat from gochujang paired with garlic and ginger creates a truly unforgettable taste.
• Crispy Chicken: The crispy fried chicken is coated in a perfectly spicy sauce, giving you a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Balanced Sweetness: A touch of honey or sugar balances the heat, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy to prepare.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a family dinner or gathering, this dish is great for serving a crowd.
• Authentic Korean Taste: With gochujang as the star ingredient, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Korea to your kitchen.
• Quick to Cook: This dish can be made in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Sauce: The sauce can be adjusted to your preferred spice level or made sweeter if desired.
• Fried Perfection: The chicken comes out perfectly crispy, giving each piece a delightful texture.
• Great Leftovers: The flavor intensifies the next day, making leftovers just as delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Spicy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

• Gochujang: A savory, spicy, and slightly sweet Korean chili paste that gives the sauce its bold flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger: Provide a fragrant base that complements the spicy sauce.
• Cornstarch in the Coating: Ensures a crispy, light coating on the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it in larger strips, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Spicy Sauce:

6. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
7. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
8. Optional Garnish: Stir in sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Toss the Chicken in Sauce:

9. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the spicy sauce until evenly coated.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with rice or as a standalone dish.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Korean Spicy Chicken:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine or short-grain rice for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as finger food for parties or gatherings with a side of dipping sauce.
• With Kimchi: Pair with traditional kimchi for a true Korean meal experience.
• On Lettuce Wraps: Serve in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of sauce and some fresh vegetables.
• With Noodles: Serve over a bed of soba or rice noodles for a hearty dish.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of pickled cucumbers or radishes for a refreshing contrast to the heat.
• As a Snack: Perfect for a spicy snack with friends while watching sports.
• With Soft drink: Pair with a cold soft drink to balance out the spice and add extra enjoyment.
• As a Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers and reheat for lunch or dinner the next day.
• With a Cold Salad: A fresh vegetable salad can help cool down the heat from the chicken.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less gochujang depending on your tolerance for heat.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure the chicken gets crispy.
• Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy coating, dip the coated chicken in a beaten egg before frying.
• Make It Sweeter: Adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Use High Smoke Point Oil: Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are ideal for frying at high temperatures.

Recipe Variations

• Sweet and Spicy Chicken: Add more honey for a sweeter version of this spicy chicken.
• Vegan Option: Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken for a plant-based alternative.
• Crispy Baked Chicken: Bake the chicken in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add extra garlic and chili flakes for more intense flavors.
• Korean BBQ Style: Grill the chicken pieces for a smoky, BBQ-style version of the dish.
• Korean Spicy Tofu: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian dish.
• Korean Spicy Wings: Use chicken wings instead of boneless chicken for a finger-licking variation.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the flour and cornstarch with almond flour for a low-carb option.
• Extra Vegetables: Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots for more texture.

Special Equipment

• Large Pan or Deep Fryer: For frying the chicken until crispy.
• Small Saucepan: For making the spicy sauce.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients together.
• Slotted Spoon: To remove the fried chicken from the oil.
• Tongs: For flipping and handling the chicken while frying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, but ensure the chicken is fully thawed before frying.
2. How long does the chicken stay crispy?
   The chicken is best served immediately, but it will stay crispy for about 20-30 minutes.
3. Can I use another type of chili paste?
   Yes, but gochujang provides the best flavor for this dish.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
6. Can I freeze the chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
7. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breast works well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
8. How do I reheat the chicken?
   Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispiness.
9. Can I skip the sesame oil?
   Yes, but sesame oil adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce.
10. What can I use instead of gochujang?
    You can use sriracha, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Korean Spicy Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Marinated in a zesty sauce made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of honey or sugar, the chicken is cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The sauce coats each piece of chicken in a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

This dish is ideal for anyone who loves a little heat with their meal, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, vegetables, or a light salad. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether you prefer a mild kick or a more intense heat. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for added flavor and texture.

I’m excited to see how your Korean Spicy Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!