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KoreanFriedChicken

Korean Popcorn Chicken

 

 

  • Total Time: :30
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken, boneless, skinless thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1⁄2 cup canola oil (for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Sauce

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Chicken: Preheat canola oil in a heavy bottomed pot to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine chicken and rice wine vinegar in a large bowl. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. In a shallow baking dish or bowl whisk together cornstarch, salt and pepper. Working in batches dredge the marinated chicken in the cornstarch mixture.
  4. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned and fully cooked. Allow the oil to come up to temperature between frying.
  5. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Season with salt.
  6. Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a large saute pan over medium high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil then reduce heat to medium low until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Notes

Storage & Reheating Suggestions

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Keep sauce and chicken separate if possible to maintain crispiness.

Reheating:

  • Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp coating.
  • Air fryer (best): 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
  • Microwave: Not recommended (loses crisp texture).

Freezing:

  • Freeze fried (un-sauced) chicken for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer, then toss in fresh sauce.

Pro Tip:

  • Reheat chicken first, then coat in sauce to restore that signature crispy + sticky texture.

 

  • Author: Genius Kitchen
  • Prep Time: :15
  • Cook Time: :15
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Deep Fried
  • Cuisine: Korean