Korean Fried Chicken

4.6
(148)
108 Reviews
40 Photos

This Korean fried chicken recipe is officially my favorite. I've had every style of fried chicken known to man, so I've always considered myself an expert. No other method I've come across has the same combination of tender, juicy, flavorful chicken and plate-scratching crispiness as this recipe does. It's simply a must-try!

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on February 26, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen
40
close up on a bowl of Korean fried chicken, garnished with green onions.
40
40
40
40
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

Marinade:

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, quartered

  • ½ yellow onion, grated

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Other:

  • 4 cups oil for frying, or as needed

Batter:

  • ¾ cup cornstarch

  • ½ cup self-rising flour

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup very cold water, or as needed

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    all ingredients gathered to make Korean fried chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Make marinade: Stir together chicken, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until chicken is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 4 hours to overnight.

    marinade ingredients mixed in a bowl with the chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 340 degrees F (171 degrees C).

  4. While oil is heating, make batter: Whisk together cornstarch, flour, sugar, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in cold water until mixture resembles smooth pancake batter. Use tongs to remove chicken from marinade to batter; stir to coat chicken completely. Discard marinade.

    chicken completely coated in batter

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Working in batches, fry chicken in hot oil for 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cooling rack.

    chicken frying in hot oil, in batches

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Increase oil temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  7. Working in batches, fry chicken again in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

    chicken after being double fried, draining on a wire rack.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Enjoy!

    close up on a bowl of Korean fried chicken, garnished with green onions

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tips

You can substitute 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt for the self-rising flour.

Serve with Korean Fried Chicken Sauce.

Editor's Notes:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the breading ingredients. The actual amount of the breading consumed will vary.

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

472 Calories
24g Fat
44g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 472
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 1150mg 50%
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 19g 37%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 84mg 6%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 227mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love

Family-Style Korean Fried Chicken
close up view of Sweet Korean Crispy Chicken garnished with peanuts, in a pan
Sweet Korean Crispy Chicken
13 Ratings
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
close up view of Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Sauce in a white bowl, with fresh herbs
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Sauce
10 Ratings
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Sauce
8 Korean Fried Chicken Recipes
fried chicken pieces with a lemon wedge on a blue plate
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
10 Ratings
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) with Honey Mayoster Sauce
5 Ratings
Mochiko Asian Fried Chicken
6 Ratings
close up view of sliced Honey-Brined Fried Chicken Breasts served with mashed potatoes and peas on a plate
Honey-Brined Fried Chicken Breasts
205 Ratings
Japanese-Style Deep Fried Chicken
77 Ratings
Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
11 Ratings
close up view of Fried Chinese Chicken Balls with vegetables over rice on a black plate
Easy Fried Chinese Chicken Balls
16 Ratings
Firebird Chicken
8 Ratings
image
Crispy Cider-Battered Chicken Fingers
10 Ratings
Karaage Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
39 Ratings