Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is an irresistible treat that features golden-fried wings enveloped in an ultra-crunchy batter, topped off with a sticky-sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. Ideal for parties, game days, or simply satisfying that craving for something savory-sweet, this dish is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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
• Offer Cold Beer
• Create a Dipping Station
• Set Up a Sharing Platter
• Garnish with Green Onions
• 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 achieve extra crispy skin?
• Can I customize the Yangnyeom sauce?
• What sides pair well with Korean Fried Chicken?
• How long does it take to make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double frying method gives you an extra-crunchy exterior that enhances the overall experience.
• Bold Flavors: Infused with spicy gochujang and aromatic garlic, every wing bursts with delicious Korean flavors.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it pairs wonderfully with pickled radish or slaw.
• Easy Preparation: Even if you’re new to frying, this recipe guides you step-by-step for stress-free cooking.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a casual get-together or a formal dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken), gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot: Essential for achieving the right oil temperature for crispy fried chicken.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain while keeping the chicken crispy as it cools.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in easily combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Aids in mixing batters smoothly for even coating on each wing.

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

PIN THIS!

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 optional cayenne. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken. For best results, 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 the remaining sauce ingredients and 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.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

In one bowl, combine all dry batter ingredients: potato starch, flour, bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne. In another bowl, mix together 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. Let any excess drip off before coating it in the dry batter. Ensure you press on the dry batter to help it adhere well.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 6–7 minutes (or 7–8 minutes for larger pieces) while maintaining an oil temperature between 320–335°F. Once cooked through, place them on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat your oil to 370°F. Fry each piece of chicken again for about 1 minute; this helps achieve that extra crispy coating. Ensure that your oil stays above 350°F during this fry.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

While still hot from frying, toss your chicken pieces in the prepared Yangnyeom sauce until they are well coated. For garnish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over them.

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 meal; it’s an experience. Serving it the right way can elevate your dish and impress your guests. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving style.

Pair with Pickled Radish

• Serve crunchy pickled radish on the side to balance the savory and spicy flavors of the chicken.

Add Cabbage Slaw

• A refreshing cabbage slaw provides a cool contrast to the crispy wings, adding texture and crunch.

Offer Cold Beer

• A chilled beer complements the spiciness of Yangnyeom Chicken perfectly, making for a great pairing during parties.

Create a Dipping Station

• Include various dipping sauces like soy sauce or a spicy mayo for guests who enjoy customizing their flavors.

Set Up a Sharing Platter

• Arrange the chicken on a large platter for sharing, making it ideal for gatherings where everyone can dig in together.

Garnish with Green Onions

• Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken for an extra pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

To achieve the ultimate crispy and flavorful Korean Fried Chicken, follow these handy tips.

• Use cold club soda: The cold temperature helps create a lighter batter that fries up beautifully.
• Double fry: Frying the chicken twice ensures an extra-crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Dry brine overnight: Letting the chicken sit with seasoning overnight enhances its flavor and juiciness.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping your oil at the right temperature prevents greasy chicken and ensures even cooking.
• Coat thoroughly: Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in both batters for maximum crunch.
• Serve immediately: Enjoying the chicken right after frying preserves its crispiness and flavor.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Kimchi: This fermented cabbage dish adds a spicy tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of Yangnyeom sauce.
2. Steamed Rice: Simple white rice balances out the richness of fried chicken and absorbs any extra sauce.
3. Japchae: These stir-fried glass noodles mixed with vegetables offer a delightful chewiness alongside crispy wings.
4. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, this salad is a comforting side that works well with fried foods.
5. Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes bring a fun texture and heat that enhances your Korean dining experience.
6. Mandu: Korean dumplings filled with meat and vegetables make for an excellent appetizer alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Not allowing the chicken to dry brine leads to less flavor and moisture. Always season and let it sit for at least an hour or overnight.
• Using Incorrect Oil Temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature results in soggy chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F for the first fry and 370°F for the second.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many pieces at once lowers oil temperature. Cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
• Not Double Frying: Skipping the second fry means missing out on extra crunch. Make sure to fry the chicken twice for that perfect texture.
• Ignoring Sauce Timing: Adding sauce too early can make your chicken soggy. Toss it in sauce while hot, right before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Place cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; it will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but expect some loss of crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and re-fry chicken for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken, specifically Yangnyeom Chicken, is known for its crispy coating and flavorful gochujang sauce. It’s a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide.

How do I achieve extra crispy skin?

To get that ultra-crispy texture, ensure you double fry the chicken after letting it rest on a wire rack between frying sessions.

Can I customize the Yangnyeom sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness or spice levels by altering ingredients like sugar or cayenne pepper in the Yangnyeom sauce recipe.

What sides pair well with Korean Fried Chicken?

Common sides include pickled radish, cabbage slaw, or steamed rice. They complement the flavors perfectly.

How long does it take to make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

The total time is around 1 hour and 5 minutes, including prep and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) offers an irresistible combination of crunch and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the spice level or serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy this delicious dish that brings joy to any meal!

---