Name: Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (approx 700g or 1.5lb), sliced into long thick strips; 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic salt; 180 g (1 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic salt; 1/2 tsp celery salt; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp chilli flakes; Oil for deep frying (at least 1 litre / 4 cups) – avocado oil preferred, or sunflower/canola oil; 2 tbsp gochujang paste; 2 tbsp honey; 4 tbsp brown sugar; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 2 tsp minced ginger; 1 tbsp oil (avocado oil preferred, or sunflower/canola oil); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 spring onions, sliced into thin strips; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 14 reviews

If you are craving a dish that delivers a perfect combination of crunch, spice, and that unique Korean zest, then you are in for a treat with this Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into golden, crispy tenders enveloped in a delightful, fiery gochujang sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a street food feast right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe never fails to excite the palate and warm the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with several pieces of raw chicken meat, each piece light pink with smooth, slightly shiny skin, placed evenly inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create the ideal balance of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and rich sauce. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the spicy, umami-packed gochujang paste, these components come together to produce a dish bursting with flavor and a stunning range of textures and colors.

Chicken breasts (approx 700g or 1.5lb): Sliced into thick strips to ensure even cooking and the perfect bite size.

Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture for juicy, succulent meat.
Salt and white pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken in the marinade.
Garlic salt: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the spiciness later on.

Plain flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the crispy coating that every great fried chicken needs.
Celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, chili flakes, black pepper: These spices and seasonings create a flavorful, crunchy crust and bring warmth and depth to every bite.
Avocado oil (or neutral oil for deep frying): Has a high smoke point making it perfect for crisp frying without unwanted flavors.

Gochujang paste: The star ingredient of the spicy sauce, offering that iconic Korean heat and sweetness.
Honey, brown sugar, soy sauce: Balance the heat with sweetness and umami richness.
Fresh garlic and minced ginger: Provide vibrant aromatics for an irresistible sauce.

Sesame oil: Adds nutty depth and finishing richness to the sauce.
Spring onions, sesame seeds, chili flakes: Perfect garnishes giving a fresh crunch, toasty flavor, and extra kick.

How to Make Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the thick strips of chicken breasts into a bowl and pouring in the buttermilk. Add salt, white pepper, and garlic salt to the mixture. This simple marinade doesn’t just season the chicken; it tenderizes it, ensuring that every bite will be juicy and flavorful. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or even overnight if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the better the texture and taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Frying Oil and Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, preheat your frying oil in a deep pan or fryer. You’ll want at least one liter of oil heated until it’s hot enough—test by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it bubbles vigorously and rises quickly, it’s ready. Meanwhile, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, and chili flakes in a bowl. This combination will give you the perfect crispy coating with a subtle kick.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk one by one, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat every inch. Lay the coated chicken on a tray and repeat until all the pieces are ready for frying. This coating gives the chicken that signature crunch that Korean fried chicken is famous for.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Until Crispy

Carefully place 5 or 6 pieces of chicken into the hot oil without crowding the pan—you want the oil temperature to stay consistent for a perfect fry. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is a gorgeous golden brown and cooked all the way through. You can always test by cutting a piece open to check if it’s no longer pink inside. Remove and place the cooked pieces on a tray in a warm oven to keep them crispy while you finish frying the rest.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce

While the chicken fries, combine the gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, vegetable oil, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. This sauce is the heart of the Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe, providing that spicy-sweet punch that keeps you coming back for more.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce and Garnish

Once all the chicken pieces are fried and the sauce is ready, pour the sauce over the chicken and carefully toss it to coat evenly. Finish by sprinkling sliced spring onions, chili flakes, and sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add fresh crunch, visual appeal, and an extra layer of flavor complexity.

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe

A bowl lined with crumpled parchment paper holds a pile of crispy chicken pieces covered in thick, shiny, dark red sauce. The chicken pieces have a rough texture underneath the sauce, with hints of golden brown showing through. They are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small red chili flakes. Thin, fresh green herb strands are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The whole bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of thinly sliced spring onions instantly brightens up the dish, giving each bite a fresh, oniony contrast that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. Toasty sesame seeds add delightful texture and a subtle, nutty aroma, while a pinch of extra chili flakes can dial up the heat if you want to push the spicy envelope even further.

Side Dishes

This Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a cool cucumber salad to balance the intense flavors. Pickled radishes or kimchi add authentic Korean flair and a refreshing tang that complements the richness and spiciness perfectly. For a more indulgent side, try crispy fries or coleslaw to add extra crunch and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the fried chicken tenders in a large platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves and scatter the garnishes generously on top. Serve with small bowls of extra gochujang sauce on the side for dipping. To elevate the experience, pair the dish with a cold glass of beer or a crisp white wine to complement the bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days. The coating may soften slightly, but the flavors remain incredible.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders after frying but before tossing them in sauce. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and make for a fantastic quick meal whenever you crave that Korean fried chicken perfection. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container.

Reheating

To reheat and regain some crispiness, warm the chicken in a hot oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes. Then gently toss with the reheated sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy coating, as it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can even be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to adjust the frying time so they cook through completely.

What is gochujang, and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that’s spicy, sweet, and savory all at once. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or order it online. It’s a must-have ingredient for making authentic Korean dishes like this one.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

While baking is a healthier option, it won’t produce quite the same level of crispy crunch that deep-frying does. If you bake, try using a convection setting and a light coating of oil to get as crispy as possible.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The recipe has a balanced heat level, thanks to the gochujang and chili flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness up or down by modifying the amount of chili flakes in both the coating and the sauce to suit your taste.

What drink pairs well with Korean Fried Chicken?

A cold beer is the classic choice, as its bitterness cuts through the richness and spice. Alternatively, a lightly chilled sparkling water or a crisp white wine like Riesling can complement the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the crisp, flavorful chicken paired with that bold, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. This Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed hit that brings joy whether you serve it for a casual meal or a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this your new favorite – once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved worldwide!