Bonchon Chicken Recipe Korean Fried Chicken :Bonchon chicken has gained worldwide fame for its ultra-crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. Originating in South Korea, this fried chicken stands out due to its double-frying technique and signature sweet-and-savory sauces. Whether you’re a Bonchon restaurant regular or new to the craze, this guide will walk you through creating the perfect Bonchon chicken recipe in your own kitchen.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions, key ingredients, and pro tips to replicate this crowd-pleaser. Along the way, we’ll link to trusted external resources for further insights and internally guide you to more chicken recipes on Recipesify.
What Makes Bonchon Chicken Special?
Bonchon chicken isn’t your typical fried chicken. What sets it apart is:
- Double Frying: Ensures maximum crispiness that stays crunchy even when sauced.
- Signature Sauces: The soy garlic and spicy sauces offer a perfect balance of flavors.
- Cultural Fusion: Combines Korean culinary traditions with global fried chicken techniques.
These elements make Bonchon chicken a hit at gatherings, parties, and even casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Wings or Drumettes: 2 lbs.
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch: 1 cup (for ultra-crispy texture).
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup.
- Salt and Pepper: To season.
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp (helps create a crispy coating).
- Vegetable Oil: For frying.
For the Soy Garlic Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: ½ cup.
- Brown Sugar: 3 tbsp.
- Garlic (Minced): 4 cloves.
- Honey: 2 tbsp.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp.
- Cornstarch: 1 tsp (diluted in water to thicken).
- Sesame Oil: 1 tsp.
For the Spicy Sauce:
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): 3 tbsp.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp.
- Garlic (Minced): 2 cloves.
- Cornstarch: 1 tsp (diluted in water to thicken).
Step-by-Step Bonchon Chicken Recipe
1. Prep the Chicken
- Clean and Pat Dry: Rinse the chicken wings or drumettes under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season: Lightly season with salt, pepper, and baking powder. Let sit for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of baking powder.
- Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the mixture. Shake off any excess.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- First Fry: Fry the chicken pieces in small batches for 8–10 minutes. Remove and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Second Fry: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 3–5 minutes until golden brown and extra crispy.
4. Make the Sauces
Soy Garlic Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add diluted cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Finish with sesame oil.
Spicy Sauce
- Mix gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic in a saucepan. Heat until smooth.
- Add diluted cornstarch to achieve a glaze-like consistency.
5. Coat and Serve
- Toss the fried chicken in your chosen sauce. For variety, prepare half with soy garlic and half with spicy sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bonchon Chicken
- Use Potato Starch: Potato starch delivers an even crunchier texture compared to cornstarch.
- Double Fry for Crispy Perfection: The second fry removes excess moisture, ensuring the chicken stays crispy even with sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches ensures even cooking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding honey mustard or sweet chili as alternative sauces.
Why Try This Recipe at Home?
Making Bonchon chicken at home is rewarding. It allows you to customize flavors, control ingredients, and enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken for a fraction of the price.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
FAQs About Bonchon Chicken
Can I Bake Bonchon Chicken Instead?
Yes, while baking won’t achieve the same crispiness, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili peppers, and rice. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and key to the spicy sauce.
Where Can I Find Ingredients?
Asian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon often carry specialized ingredients like gochujang and rice vinegar.
External Resources for Perfecting Your Recipe
More Recipes to Try
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Conclusion
With this Bonchon chicken recipe, you can recreate the crispy, flavorful magic of Korean fried chicken at home. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving comfort food, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with steamed rice, pickled radishes, or a cold beer for an authentic experience.
Start your culinary adventure today and enjoy the satisfaction of making Bonchon chicken your way!