Gochujang Honey Fried Chicken

Gochujang Honey Fried Chicken

Experience a thrilling fusion of sweet heat with this Gochujang Honey Fried Chicken. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy, golden batter and then tossed in a vibrant, sticky glaze made from Korean Gochujang chili paste, sweet honey, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic and ginger. This dish offers an irresistible balance of spice, sweetness, and umami that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a weekend dinner or an adventurous appetizer, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates the humble fried chicken to new global heights, making it a dish you'll crave again and again for its unique flavor profile and addictive crunch.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
45 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. 1Place chicken pieces in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 4 hours.
  2. 2In a separate shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a good coating. Place coated chicken on a wire rack.

Fry the Chicken

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.
  3. 3Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken: after the initial fry, increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry chicken again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden.

Make the Gochujang Honey Glaze

  1. 1While chicken fries, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan.
  2. 2Heat the glaze mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it simmers gently and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

  1. 1In a large bowl, add the freshly fried chicken pieces. Pour the warm gochujang honey glaze over the chicken.
  2. 2Toss gently until all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories
600 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
45 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories600 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat30 g
Carbs45 g

Tips

  • For spicier chicken, increase the amount of gochujang in the glaze, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Using a thermometer to monitor oil temperature ensures consistently crispy fried chicken and prevents burning.
  • This fried chicken is excellent served with steamed rice, pickled radishes, or a cooling cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.

By Chef Michael Ilin