My platonic ideal of fried chicken is Korean fried chicken. It’s ultra-crunchy and juicy, and typically glazed with a savory or spicy sauce that sinks into every nook and cranny of the shatteringly crisp crust.

I am a Korean American adoptee who didn’t grow up having “KFC” on the streets of Seoul or made for me at home, but ever since discovering Korean fried chicken more than a decade ago — post-karaoke at Bonchon in New York City’s Koreatown — it’s one of my top eats. This recipe is the result of many trials and errors to find the absolute best way to make Korean fried chicken at home. Pair with a kimchi ranch for dipping and a simple pickled radish for refreshing bites that cut through the decadent fried feast.

Why you’ll love it

Key Ingredients in Korean fried chicken

Helpful swaps

Storage and make-ahead tips

Korean Fried Chicken

Serves 4 to 6

10 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons gochujang paste

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

For the fried chicken:

2 to 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, preferably large

2 cups cornstarch, divided

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, divided

3 cloves garlic

1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger

3/4 cup cold water

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

5 cups canola oil, or another high-smoke-point neutral oil

Scallions thinly sliced on a diagonal, toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Kimchi ranch and pickled radishes, for serving (optional)

Make the glaze:

1. Finely chop 10 garlic cloves (about 1/2 cup). Place the garlic and 1 tablespoon canola oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat (this allows the garlic to infuse to the oil as it heats up). Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden-brown, 3 to 6 minutes.

2. Add 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup rice vinegar. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl and whisk until the cornstarch is suspended.

3. Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce and cook, whisking often, until bubbling and thickened. Turn off the heat. Add 2 tablespoons gochujang and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and whisk to combine. Transfer to a large bowl.

Make the fried chicken:

1. Pat 2 to 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Cut into rough 2-inch pieces (about 5 per thigh).

2. Make the dredge: Place 1 cup of the cornstarch, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of the baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the ground white pepper in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

3. Make the batter: Place the remaining 1 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground white pepper in a second medium bowl. Finely grate 3 garlic cloves and 1/2-inch piece peeled ginger into the bowl. Add 3/4 cup cold water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Whisk until combined.

4. Heat 5 cups canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat until 350 F. (Test if it’s hot enough by dropping a bit of the batter into the oil and see if it bubbles immediately, or insert a wooden chopstick and see if bubbles appear.) Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with paper towels or fit with a wire rack. Coat as much of the chicken as you can while the oil heats.

5. Coat the chicken in batches of 8 to 10 pieces: Add to the dredge and toss until evenly coated. Shake off the excess, then add to the batter and toss. Let the excess batter drip off, then return back to the dredge bowl, pressing the cornstarch mixture into the chicken to help create more craggly, crunchy bits. Transfer to a second baking sheet. Rewhisk the batter occasionally as you’re coating the chicken, and add a little water as needed if it starts to get too thick.

6. Fry the chicken in batches of 8 to 10 pieces: Add one at a time into the hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden-brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon or spider to the wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt.

7. Toss the chicken in the glaze in batches until evenly coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions, and serve with kimchi ranch and pickled radishes if desired.

Recipe note: The glaze can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Rewarm before using.

(Alyse Whitney is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

©2024 Apartment Therapy. Distributed by Tribune Content AGency, LLC.