Are you craving that irresistible crunch and addictive flavor of Korean fried chicken? Look no further! This recipe brings the beloved Bonchon experience right to your kitchen. Forget takeout – you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make this delicious dish at home. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for another piece (and another!). This recipe is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar)
For the First Fry:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
For the Sauce (choose one or make both!):
Soy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) - adjust to your spice preference
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk to the bowl and gently mix until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for even better flavor.
First Fry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare your chosen sauce(s). Simply combine all the ingredients for your preferred sauce in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Second Fry & Sauce Coating:
- Increase the oil temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the fried chicken back to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and extra crispy. This second fry is key to achieving that signature Bonchon crispiness!
- Remove the chicken from the oil and immediately toss it in your prepared sauce(s), ensuring each piece is well coated.
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Korean Fried Chicken Bonchon immediately while it's hot and crispy. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Enjoy this amazing homemade recipe with your favorite sides – rice, kimchi, or a refreshing slaw are all great choices!
Cooking Tips:
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent results.
- For extra crispy chicken, let the chicken rest on a wire rack after the first fry to drain excess oil before the second fry.
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru in the spicy sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
Variations:
- Add other spices to the flour mixture, such as ginger powder, cayenne pepper, or even some Korean BBQ seasoning.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces, like mayonnaise mixed with gochujang for a spicy mayo dip.
- Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of boneless thighs for a different texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, expect a dish that is relatively high in calories and fat due to the frying process. It is, after all, fried chicken! Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.