Deliciously crispy chicken paired with a gochujang butter sauce! This dish is simply mouthwatering. Whether dipped in sauce, enjoyed alongside a salad, or savored on its own!
In This Post
This Sauce, This Crunch… There’s No Way This Isn’t Good.
What’s cooking for dinner tonight?
It all begins with crispy chicken and culminates in a gochujang butter sauce. Hold on, no, it truly finishes with yum yum sauce on top of the other sauce, because having two dips is always a plus.
Our home celebrated a significant culinary victory this last month. My daughters truly love crispy chicken (especially with ketchup). Meanwhile, my husband and I delighted in every bite of our double-sauced, crispy-spicy pieces.
Our colleagues nearby were stopping by all day: Is that chicken ready yet? Can we grab another serving? When will that recipe be published?
I feel inclined to clarify why this isn’t a “complete meal” recipe – but that’s the essence of it. It merges Japanese chicken katsu with Korean flair and the indulgent appeal of finger-licking wings akin to Applebees, all wrapped up in a simple, snack-like dinner format.
I coat it, slice it, place it on a dish, and dig in.
However, it would also shine as a rice bowl, in a sandwich, or as a salad topping!
Note: If the idea of breading the chicken seems overwhelming, simply use a frozen, store-bought crispy chicken filet instead. It’s a foolproof solution.
Hope you enjoy this!
Crispy Gochujang Chicken
Total Time:
35 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
Deliciously crispy chicken with a gochujang butter sauce! This dish is simply mouthwatering. Whether dipped in sauce, enjoyed alongside a salad, or savored on its own!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crispy Chicken
Gochujang Butter
Extras
Instructions
- Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into thinner pieces. Start by detaching the tenderloin piece from the back. Then cut the breast horizontally in half or into thirds if it’s particularly thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Bowls: Set up three bowls for your breading process: 1 for flour. 2 for the eggs mixed with gochujang. 3 for panko. Season the panko and flour bowls with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Breading: Coat the chicken in flour; shake off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture; allow the excess to drip off. Firmly press into the panko coating on both sides until well coated.
- Cook: Spritz each chicken piece with avocado oil to cover the top. Air fry at 375 degrees for 5 minutes, then increase to 400 degrees for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden. (Alternative cooking methods can be found in the notes.)
- Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, gochujang, and minced garlic. Use a brush to apply the sauce over each piece of crispy chicken.
- Finish: Slice the chicken and present it on a platter or directly on the cutting board. Pair it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. I adore this dipped in yum yum sauce!
Equipment
Air Fryer
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Notes
Alternate cooking methods: Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through (broil towards the end for an extra golden color). Or fry in a shallow layer of neutral oil at medium heat until crispy and fully cooked. The chicken’s internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy chicken cutlets, chicken katsu, crispy chicken, air fryer chicken
Frequently Asked Questions For This Recipe
How can I make the chicken in the oven?
Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes (9 minutes per side).
Can I fry the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Heat an inch of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drop of water; if it sizzles, it’s time to fry the chicken. Cook the chicken in the oil for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Can I use a different type of oil?
If you lack avocado oil spray for the air fryer, a light drizzle of olive oil over the top will work as well! However, I prefer a spritz for even coating on the panko for optimal browning.
Can I make this gluten-free?
I haven’t tried it myself, but I believe you could use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs and it would work!
How do you know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure perfect cooking! Here’s the one I use. (affiliate link)
Three Recipes To Eat With This Chicken
**Crispy Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Korean-Inspired Delight**
If you love bold flavors and are seeking the ideal mix of crispy, savory, and spicy, then Crispy Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce is a dish you have to experience. This dish, inspired by Korean cuisine, marries golden, crunchy fried chicken with a rich, spicy-sweet glaze made using gochujang, a traditional Korean chili paste. The outcome is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
—
### What is Gochujang?
Gochujang (고추장) is a fermented Korean condiment crafted from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a profound, umami-rich flavor with just the right mix of heat and sweetness. Gochujang is a key ingredient in Korean dishes such as bibimbap, tteokbokki, and bulgogi. Its thick, sticky texture is ideal for sauces and marinades, making it excellent when paired with crispy fried dishes.
—
### The Appeal of Crispy Chicken
Crispy chicken is adored for its satisfying crunch and moist interior. Whether deep-fried, air-fried, or baked, the secret to outstanding crispy chicken lies in the batter or coating. A seasoned flour or batter ensures a golden crust that holds up against sauces without becoming soggy.
When coupled with a spicy gochujang sauce, crispy chicken evolves into a dish that is both cozy and thrilling, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or party appetizers.
—
### Ingredients Overview
**For the Crispy Chicken:**
– Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Buttermilk (for marinating)
– All-purpose flour
– Cornstarch (for additional crunch)
– Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for seasoning)
– Oil for frying
**For the Spicy Gochujang Sauce:**
– Gochujang paste
– Soy sauce
– Rice vinegar
– Honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
– Minced garlic
– Sesame oil
– Optional: grated ginger, chili flakes for added heat
—
### How to Make Crispy Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce
**1. Marinate the Chicken:**
Begin by soaking the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for optimal results). This process helps tenderize the meat and aids the coating in sticking.
**2. Prepare the Coating:**
Combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a shallow dish. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the dry mix, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, uniform coating.
**3. Fry the Chicken:**
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
**4. Make the Gochujang Sauce:**
In a small saucepan, mix gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Adjust sweetness or heat level to preference.
**5. Toss and Serve:**
Toss the hot, crispy chicken in the warm gochujang sauce until evenly covered. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best texture.
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### Serving Suggestions
Crispy Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce pairs wonderfully with:
– Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
– Pickled vegetables or kimchi
– A fresh cucumber salad to balance the spice
– Lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative
For a complete Korean-inspired meal, serve alongside dishes like japchae (glass noodles), mandu (dumplings), or a simple miso soup.
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### Tips for Success
– **Double-fry for extra crunchiness:** Fry the chicken once, let it rest, then fry again briefly to maximize the crispiness.
– **Avoid overcrowding the pan:** Fry in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and guarantee even cooking.
– **Customize the heat:** Adjust the amount of gochujang or add chili flakes to match your spice preference.
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### Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce is a dish that pleases many palates, bringing together the finest of Korean flavors alongside the universal love for fried chicken. Whether you are exploring Korean cuisine or are already a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your collection. Bold, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy—what’s not to adore?
So put on your apron, heat the oil, and prepare for a deliciously fiery take on a classic comfort favorite.