Description
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Chicko Chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful take on Korean fried chicken. Using a double-frying method, this dish achieves a perfectly crunchy texture that stays crisp even after being coated in a rich soy garlic or spicy yangnyeom sauce. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or spicy flavors, this recipe has something for everyone. Serve it with pickled radish and a cold drink for the ultimate Korean fried chicken experience!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or boneless thigh pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch or potato starch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 cup cold water or soda water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Soy Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Spicy Yangnyeom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and cold water (or soda water) until smooth.
- Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring a light and even coating.
Step 3: First Fry
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 325°F (163°C).
- Fry the chicken in small batches for 5-6 minutes, then remove and drain on a wire rack.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying again.
Step 4: Second Fry for Extra Crispiness
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and extra crispy.
- Drain excess oil on a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, mix the ingredients for your chosen sauce (soy garlic or yangnyeom).
- Simmer on low heat until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Coat and Serve
- Toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce, coating evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with pickled radish and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra-crispy chicken, use potato starch instead of cornstarch in the batter.
- Letting the chicken rest between frying removes excess moisture, ensuring maximum crunch.
- If you prefer a dry-style Chicko Chicken, serve the sauce on the side instead of tossing the chicken in it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Korean