Korean Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

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Dive into the flavors of Korea with this delicious Korean Sweet Chili Chicken. It combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. This dish is perfect for a flavorful dinner or as a standout appetizer for your next gathering. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sliced red chili peppers

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Make the Sweet Chili Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are well coated.

Serve:

  • Plate the Chicken: Serve the coated chicken on a platter.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and sliced red chili peppers over the top for added flavor and a pop of color.
  • Enjoy: Enjoy your Korean Sweet Chili Chicken hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

This Korean Sweet Chili Chicken is sure to be a hit, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a delicious way to explore Korean cuisine right at home!