Korean Sweet and Spicy Chicken, also known as Yangnyeom Chicken, is a popular dish that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. With its crispy fried chicken coated in a bold gochujang-based sauce, this dish is a favorite for parties, family dinners, or simply indulging in Korean cuisine at home.
The combination of crunchy chicken and a sticky glaze makes this recipe irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice for a complete meal, it delivers a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
• Crispy Perfection: Double-coated chicken ensures a crunchy texture that holds up to the sauce.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing gochujang.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour, tossing to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, gochujang, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Whisk the ingredients together and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the prepared sauce.
2. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken.
2. Serve hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice for a satisfying main course.
Tips
• Crispier Chicken: For an even crispier texture, fry the chicken twice. Fry once at 350°F and a second time at 375°F for 1–2 minutes.
• Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of gochujang based on your heat preference.
• Extra Garnishes: Add julienned radish or pickled vegetables for a traditional Korean touch.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in the sauce just before serving.
Korean Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Its crispy, saucy, and spicy profile makes it a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
