Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom)
I still remember the first time I had Korean fried chicken - the combination of the crispy exterior and the juicy interior, all coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own recipe for Korean fried chicken, also known as yangnyeom chicken. After countless trials and errors, I'm excited to share my secrets with you.
One of the things that makes Korean fried chicken so special is the double-frying process. By frying the chicken twice, you get an incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after coating it in the sauce. And the sauce - oh, the sauce! It's a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, made with ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves spicy food and is looking for a fun and easy dinner idea. The best part is that it's easy to make in large quantities, so it's great for parties or family gatherings. And don't worry if you're not a fan of super spicy food - you can always adjust the level of heat to your liking.
In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the process, from marinating the chicken to frying it to perfection. I'll also share some tips and tricks for getting the crispiest exterior and the juiciest interior, so you can make this dish like a pro. So let's get started and make some delicious Korean fried chicken!
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with the flavors of Korea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment
- The double-frying process creates a crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after coating it in the sauce
- The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, made with ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar
- This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves spicy food and is looking for a fun and easy dinner idea
- The recipe is easy to scale up or down, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings
- The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, even after frying
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great Korean fried chicken is to use a combination of the right ingredients and the right techniques. The double-frying process is what gives the chicken its signature crunch, while the marinade helps to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. The sauce, which is made with a combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar, adds a sweet and spicy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Another important factor is the temperature of the oil. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it's fully cooked on the inside. On the other hand, if the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy. By using a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, you can ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection every time.
Finally, the type of flour used to coat the chicken is also important. A light dusting of cornstarch or all-purpose flour helps to create a crispy exterior, while a heavier coating of flour can make the chicken taste heavy and greasy. By using the right amount of flour and the right type of flour, you can create a crispy exterior that's not too heavy or greasy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few special ingredients, including gochujang, soy sauce, and Korean chili flakes. You can find these ingredients at most Asian markets or online. In addition to these specialty ingredients, you'll also need some basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and garlic.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that will add depth and flavor to your dish. For example, use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor, and choose a high-quality gochujang that's made with real fermented soybeans.
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bonelessYou can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken legs for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly
- 1/2 cup (120g) all-purpose flourUse a light dusting of flour to coat the chicken, as a heavier coating can make the chicken taste heavy and greasy
- 1/2 cup (120g) cornstarchCornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior on the chicken, while also absorbing excess moisture
- 1/4 cup (60g) gochujangGochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the sauce. You can find it at most Asian markets or online
- 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's made with real fermented soybeans for the best flavor
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the sauce, while also balancing out the heat from the gochujang
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and be sure to mince it finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the sauce
- 1 tsp (5g) grated gingerGrated ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the sauce, while also helping to balance out the heat from the gochujang
- 1/4 cup (60g) Korean chili flakesKorean chili flakes, also known as gochugaru, add a spicy, smoky flavor to the sauce. You can find them at most Asian markets or online
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to fry the chicken
- Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, before and after frying
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom)
- 1In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat, shaking off any excess
- 2Heat about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C)
- 3Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through
- 4Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil
- 5Let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying it again. This step is crucial to getting the crispiest exterior possible
- 6Heat the oil again to 350°F (175°C) and add the chicken back in. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and golden brown
- 7While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce by whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Korean chili flakes in a small bowl
- 8Once the chicken is done frying, remove it from the oil and place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat, making sure the chicken is evenly coated
- 9Let the chicken sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the chicken to absorb all the flavors
- 10Serve the chicken hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired
Expert Tips
- Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, as this will help you achieve the perfect crispiness on the exterior
- Don't overcrowd the skillet or wok, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy or undercooked chicken
- Let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes before frying it again, as this will help the exterior to become crispy and golden brown
- Experiment with different levels of heat in the sauce to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy
- Consider adding some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of the chicken for added flavor and texture
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can try chilling the coated chicken in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, resulting in undercooked or overcooked chicken
- Overcrowding the skillet or wok, which can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy or undercooked chicken
- Not letting the chicken rest for long enough before frying it again, which can result in a less crispy exterior
- Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or stale spices, which can affect the flavor of the dish
- Not whisking the sauce ingredients together thoroughly, which can result in a unevenly flavored sauce
- Not serving the chicken immediately after it's been coated in the sauce, which can result in a less crispy exterior
Variations and Substitutions
- Try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture
- Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken breasts or pork, for a variation on the recipe
- Add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of the chicken for added flavor and texture
- Consider using different types of chili flakes, such as Szechuan pepper or Korean chili flakes, for a unique flavor
- Try serving the chicken with a side of pickled radishes or kimchi for a traditional Korean-inspired meal
- Experiment with different levels of heat in the sauce to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy
What to Serve With Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom)
This Korean fried chicken is perfect for serving as a main dish, and it's also great as an appetizer or snack. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as kimchi, pickled radishes, or steamed bok choy. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with a bowl of steaming hot rice or noodles.
Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding it to a salad, wrapping it in a tortilla with some kimchi and pickled carrots, or serving it as a topping for a bowl of ramen or udon noodles. The possibilities are endless, and it's up to you to get creative and come up with your own unique serving ideas!
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Korean fried chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
To freeze the chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until it's frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
To reheat the chicken, you can either bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Just be sure to stir the chicken frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
One thing to keep in mind when reheating the chicken is that it may not be as crispy as it was when it was first made. To get around this, you can try broiling the chicken for an extra minute or two to crisp up the exterior. This will help to restore some of the crunch and texture that may have been lost during reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gochujang and where can I find it?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that's made from fermented soybeans. You can find it at most Asian markets or online. If you can't find gochujang, you can also try substituting it with a combination of soy sauce and Korean chili flakes
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts will cook more quickly than thighs
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat in this dish will depend on the type and amount of chili flakes you use. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili flakes or use hotter peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop and toss it in the sauce
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Simply place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until it's frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months
How do I reheat this dish?
To reheat this dish, you can either bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Just be sure to stir the chicken frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative and using gluten-free flour to coat the chicken
Can I make this dish vegan?
No, this dish is not vegan as it contains chicken and other animal products. However, you can try substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source like tofu or tempeh and using vegan-friendly sauces and seasonings

Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, boneless
- 1/2 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120g) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60g) gochujang
- 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) grated ginger
- 1/4 cup (60g) Korean chili flakes
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat, shaking off any excess
- Heat about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C)
- Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through
- Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil
- Let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying it again. This step is crucial to getting the crispiest exterior possible
- Heat the oil again to 350°F (175°C) and add the chicken back in. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and golden brown
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce by whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Korean chili flakes in a small bowl
- Once the chicken is done frying, remove it from the oil and place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat, making sure the chicken is evenly coated
- Let the chicken sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the chicken to absorb all the flavors
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired