Today, I will introduce 10 best Korean fried chicken in Korea that are truly loved by Koreans. It’s widely known around the world that Korean fried chicken is super delicious. Now, the question is, “Which fried chicken should I eat in Korea?” and “Which is the best brand of fried chicken?” Today, I will introduce the top 10 of them. If you choose from these 10, your Korean fried chicken experience will be complete. Let’s take a look at the 10 most popular Korean fried chicken brands and their varieties.
Table of Contents
Why Korean Fried Chicken Is Special
Unlike Western fried chicken, Korean fried chicken is double-fried for extra crispiness and then coated in a variety of sauces. It’s less greasy and highly flavourful, and is often enjoyed with beer. In fact, many visitors to Korea say that trying Korean fried chicken is an essential culinary experience.
Delivery Food, Korean Fried Chicken
To Koreans, fried chicken is what takeout pizza is to Europeans or Americans. Of course, you can eat it in a restaurant, but most Koreans prefer to have fried chicken delivered as takeout. In fact, there are many chicken places that have no seating at all, and that’s why. If you want to try Korean chicken in an authentic way, buy a can of beer at a convenience store and have the fried chicken delivered to your home. This is what Koreans call “chimaek” (chicken and beer).
What is Chimac (Chimaek)? 치맥
Have you ever heard of “chimac”(chimaek)? It’s a combination of “chi” (chicken) and “mac” (maekju, which means beer). What is the best drink to go with Korean fried chicken? Without a doubt, it’s beer!
After moving to Belgium, I discovered how delicious European beers, especially Belgian and German, can be. But when it comes to Korean fried chicken, it has to be paired with Korean beer. Korean beer is highly carbonated and light, which makes it easy to drink. The strong carbonation cuts through the greasiness of the chicken, creating a perfect balance. Unlike Belgian beers, which have a strong aroma and flavor, Korean beer has a milder flavor that doesn’t overpower the chicken, making it a great match.
10 Best Korean fried chicken
Now, let me introduce you to the 10 most delicious and popular Korean fried chicken in Korea. Let’s explore them by brand and type!
BBQ Golden Olive Fried Chicken 황금올리브
The most beloved fried chicken among Koreans.
My absolute favorite Korean fried chicken is BBQ Golden Olive Chicken. I would call it the king of crispy fried chicken in Korea. The batter is incredibly crispy and on the thicker side, yet the inside remains soft and incredibly juicy.
No one has been able to replicate BBQ’s Golden Olive Fried Chicken. From the first bite, you get a hint of black pepper, followed by an explosion of rich, savory juices as you crunch into the perfectly crispy coating. One of its defining features is that it’s fried in olive oil, which adds a unique touch to its incredible flavor.
Kyochon Chicken Hoeny Combo 허니콤보
The ultimate sweet and savory combination. A taste that every Korean loves.
This chicken is perfect for Koreans who love the balance of sweet and salty flavors. It features a soy sauce-based glaze that is enhanced with honey, creating an irresistible sweet and savory flavor. The crispy coating is well coated with this dan-jjan (sweet & salty) sauce, yet it remains crunchy while being fully infused with flavor.
It’s important to order the Honey Combo, not the Honey Original. The Honey Combo consists of only wings and drumsticks, ensuring tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
BHC Bburinkle 뿌링클
Dip it in creamy Bburinkle sauce, need I say more?
This is a crispy fried chicken covered in a sweet and savory cheese seasoning. It’s an absolute favorite among young Koreans. Bburinkle chicken comes with Bburinkle sauce, a unique blend of Swiss cheese, sugar, mayonnaise and cream. The sauce has a slight yogurt-like tang that balances the richness of the cheesy chicken, making it irresistibly addictive. Because I love Bburinkle sauce, I always order extra and dip my chicken generously in it.
BHC also offers another must-try menu item – cheese balls. These are a perfect side dish, with a chewy, donut-like fried exterior and gooey, stretchy cheese inside. They’re on a whole different level from the soggy cheese balls I’ve tried abroad. These are incredibly crispy and definitely worth trying!
Goobne Chicken Gochu Basasak 고추바사삭
Crispy like fried chicken, but actually baked.
Goobne Chicken is famous for its oven-baked chicken, not fried chicken. While it’s not technically fried chicken, it still delivers an incredibly crispy texture. Because it’s not fried in oil, it’s lighter and considered a healthier alternative, making it a go-to option for those craving fried chicken while on a diet.
Goobne Gochu Basasak is coated with Cheongyang chili peppers and various spices, giving it a clean, mildly spicy kick. It’s a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside type of chicken that many Koreans love because it’s not greasy.
This chicken must be eaten with gobling or marbling sauce. Gobling sauce is a blend of jalapeño and mayonnaise, offering a spicy yet creamy balance that cuts through any richness. Marbling sauce combines mayonnaise and Sriracha, similar to the Sriracha mayo often used in poke bowls. It’s slightly spicy, smooth, and rich-perfect for dipping.
Cheogajip Supreme Yangnyeom Chicken (Boneless) 슈프림양념치킨
One of Korean’s most popular Yangnyeom Chicken.
This is the ultimate sweet + savory + juicy chicken. The classic sweet and sticky yangnyeom sauce is generously coated over the chicken, and a rich, creamy mayonnaise-based sauce is drizzled on top for extra flavor. Cheogajip’s yangnyeom sauce is sweeter, thicker, and stickier than other brands, making it stand out. Supreme Yangnyeom Chicken should always be ordered boneless for the best experience.
Many Koreans love to pair this chicken with rice, a combination known as “chibap” (a mix of chicken + bap [rice]). It’s a must try!
Jadam Chicken Mapshulang 맵슐랭
Thick, rich sauce with a subtle but addictive heat.
When you order Mapssulang, you’ll immediately notice the finely chopped red and green chili peppers sprinkled over the chicken. This fried chicken is coated in a rich, slightly sweet sauce, perfectly balanced with the kick of Cheongyang chilies and a creamy mayo base.
At first bite, you’ll taste the sweetness and think, “Oh, it’s not that hot. But after a few seconds, the heat from the Cheongyang peppers slowly builds. Even Koreans who like spicy food find this chicken quite hot, so if you can’t handle too much heat, I would recommend the Mild version instead of the Original.
Mapssulang Original has a similar level of heat to Buldak Bokkeum Myun (Korean Fire Noodles).
Mapssulang Mild is slightly spicier than Shin Ramyun, comparable to Carbonara Buldak Noodles.
If you’re looking for authentic spicy Korean fried chicken that’s hard to find in Europe or the U.S., this is a must try!
Puradak Gochu Mayo 고추마요
Irresistibly addictive with gochu-mayo sauce and jalapeños.
This chicken is coated in a rich, creamy mayonnaise-based sauce that is both sweet and savory. The main highlight is the pickled jalapeños sprinkled on top. While not overwhelmingly hot, the jalapeños help cut through the richness and add a refreshing balance.
The gochu mayo sauce is a perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, nutty, sweet and tangy flavors – all blending together for an incredibly satisfying taste.
Pelicana Yangnyeom Chicken 페리카나 양념치킨
The Original Yangnyeom Chicken!
Pelicana Yangnyeom Chicken is the standard for Korean Yangnyeom Chicken. When Koreans think of the “nostalgic yangnyeom chicken” from their childhood, they often think of Pelicana. If you’re looking for a perfectly balanced flavor that’s not too sour or overpowering, with just the right amount of sweetness, spiciness, and the subtle aroma of garlic, Pelicana Yangnyeom Chicken is highly recommended. Its batter is thinner than other fried chicken places, so it doesn’t feel greasy, yet it’s crispy and deliciously spicy.
Hoochamjal (Hoocham Fried Chicken) 후참잘 후라이드 치킨
The classic Korean fried chicken
If you’re looking for a classic, basic Korean fried chicken, I recommend Hoochamjal (Hoocham’s Fried Chicken). The batter is neither too thick nor too thin, providing the perfect balance between the crispy texture of modern Korean fried chicken and the traditional flavor of old-school fried chicken. The chicken itself is seasoned with a slightly salty and mildly spicy brine, making it flavorful without being greasy. For a truly nostalgic experience, it’s best enjoyed with a pinch of seasoned salt, just like the old days.
Nene Chicken Oriental Pa Dak 오리엔탈 파닭
The green onions cut through the grease perfectly.
When you order Pa Dak, you’ll see an interesting sight – thinly sliced green onions (pachae) served separately in a roll bag. This is the key ingredient in Pa Dak. You place the crispy fried chicken on top of the green onions, then drizzle on the oriental sauce to create the perfect combination.
Koreans tend to dislike foods that are too greasy or heavy, so sometimes when we eat fried chicken, we get the feeling that it’s too oily. That’s when the green onions in Pa Dak come to the rescue. The spicy and tangy flavor of the green onions cuts through the fat and provides a refreshing balance. The sweet and sour oriental sauce perfects this balance, creating a harmonious flavor that’s not too heavy.
For non-Koreans, pa dak may seem a bit unusual or even strange, but it’s a popular staple at Nene Chicken that many Koreans adore. I recommend ordering it boneless for easy enjoyment with chopsticks or a fork.
Can I make Korean Fried Chicken at Home?
Korean Fried Chicken Recipe
There are many Korean fried chicken recipes but this is the recipe of Korean fried chicken at home with the best yangnyeom sauce! When I tried Korean fried chicken restaurants in Europe, the yangnyeom sauce tasted too much of gochujang. So I really want to share this authentic, real Korean yangnyeom sauce!
Easy Fried Chicken Pancake Recipe
Korean fried chicken is difficult to make at home. The batter that gives it its perfect crispness requires special expertise, and the frying oil at home is in a smaller pot, making it harder to heat the oil to the right temperature than in a restaurant but if you’re craving Korean chicken, and looking for how to make Korean fried chicken in an easy way, I recommend trying this recipe for fried chicken jeon. I made it with the most popular combination, Ban Ban style 반반 (half fried chicken and half yangnyeom chicken,) topped with green onions to cut through the fat. It also comes with an oriental dipping sauce, so be sure to dip the chicken generously in the sauce. How about enjoying this Korean fried chicken with a cold beer today for Chimaek Night?
FAQ about Korean Fried Chicken
What is different in Korean fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken is characterized by being double-fried, which makes it extra crispy. It also comes with various sauces such as yangnyeom sauce made with gochujang, honey soy sauce, and more.
What is the secret of Korean fried chicken?
The secret is mixing corn starch and baking powder in the right ratio to make it crispy. In fact, many Korean chicken brands also add potato starch, which makes the chicken chewy yet crispy — this is one of the hidden secrets of Korean fried chicken.
What is Korean fried chicken batter made of?
It usually includes garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika powder, curry powder, and MSG is an essential part. The flour mix contains all-purpose flour, corn starch, potato starch, and baking powder. Since each chicken brand has its own secret ratio, the easiest way is to buy Korean fried chicken mix. Or you can make your own by adding various powders to frying flour. I’ve linked the recipe in the blog above, so check it out.
Is Korean fried chicken always boneless?
No. Outside of Korea, boneless chicken is more common, but in Korea most fried chicken is served bone-in. Frying with the bone gives a better crispy texture and the marrow from the bone makes the chicken juicier.
What goes well with Korean fried chicken?
Koreans often order other foods or side dishes together with chicken. Pizza and tteokbokki are the most popular. Especially, eating chicken with tteokbokki has become a trend — one bite of greasy chicken followed by spicy tteokbokki balances the flavors, so you can keep eating. Some people even dip their chicken into the tteokbokki sauce. Another popular side is cheese balls. They are deep-fried dough filled with mozzarella cheese, crispy outside and chewy inside, like a donut. They are super delicious and I highly recommend ordering them with chicken.
How to make gochujang sauce for fried chicken?
It’s made with gochujang, ketchup, corn syrup, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. You can find the detailed recipe in the link above titled “ban ban Korean fried chicken at home.” That recipe will give you the exact yangnyeom sauce flavor you tasted in Korea.
Why do Koreans fry their chicken twice?
Q7. Why do Koreans fry their chicken twice?
Double frying removes more moisture, resulting in a much crispier texture. It’s the same reason why Belgians fry their French fries twice.
10 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Seoul, Korea
Looking for the best Korean BBQ during your trip to Korea? I’ve picked the top 10 Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re the real local favorites. Choose from this list, and your Korean BBQ experience will be the best it can be!
