The MOST DELICIOUS CRISPY Korean Fried Chicken Recipe + Pickled Radish 🇰🇷🍗 후라이드치킨

The MOST DELICIOUS CRISPY Korean Fried Chicken Recipe + Pickled Radish 🇰🇷🍗 후라이드치킨 is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Modern Pepper on YouTube.

Prep: 36 hrs 50 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 37 hrs 39 min

Cost: $13.00 total, $3.25 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Chicken (young bird, about 4.5 lb, bone‑in, skin‑on)
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste, adds flavor not heat)
  • 2 Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Cornstarch (helps extra crispness)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for dry rub)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 4 cups Soybean Oil (for deep‑frying, high smoke point)
  • 1 Korean Radish (Daikon) (medium size, peeled and cut into ½‑inch cubes (≈3 cups))
  • 2 tablespoons Salt (Pickling)
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar (Pickling)
  • ½ cup Rice Vinegar

Instructions

  1. Trim and Cut the Whole Chicken

    Using a sharp chef's knife and kitchen scissors, remove excess skin and fat, then cut the chicken into pieces: separate wings, drumsticks, thighs, back, and bone‑in breast halves. Keep the bone attached to the breast for extra crispiness.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Rinse and Pat Dry

    Rinse all chicken pieces under cold running water, especially the back pieces to remove any blood. Pat completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Dry Spice Rub

    In a small bowl combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make the Wet Batter

    In a mixing bowl whisk together eggs, gochujang, all‑purpose flour, cornstarch, and the dry spice rub until a smooth batter forms.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Marinate the Chicken

    Place the chicken pieces into the wet batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Transfer to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

    Time: PT12H

  6. Prepare Pickled Radish (Chicken Mu)

    Peel the Korean radish, cut into ½‑inch cubes (≈3 cups). In a bowl combine salt, sugar, and rice vinegar; stir until dissolved. Add radish cubes, toss to coat, then transfer to an airtight container.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Pickle Rest

    Refrigerate the radish mixture for 24 hours before serving.

    Time: PT24H

  8. Heat Oil

    Fill the heavy‑bottomed pot with soybean oil to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the thermometer reads 370 °F (188 °C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 370°F

  9. First Fry – Dark Meat

    Working in batches, dip dark‑meat pieces (thighs, drumsticks, back) into the batter, let excess drip off, then lightly dust with extra flour‑cornstarch mixture. For a double coat, drizzle ½ cup of the liquid batter over the piece, sprinkle crumbs, press gently, and shake off loose bits. Fry for about 7 minutes, maintaining oil at 350 °F, until internal temperature reaches 170 °F.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Rest After First Fry

    Remove fried dark meat onto a cooling rack and let rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Clean Oil Between Batches

    Use a fine‑mesh ladle to skim out any burnt batter crumbs from the oil before the next batch.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Second Fry – White Meat

    Repeat the double‑coat process for breast halves and wings. Fry for about 7 minutes, keeping oil at 350 °F, until internal temperature reaches 170 °F.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 350°F

  13. Final Rest

    Place all fried pieces on the cooling rack for a final 5‑minute rest before serving.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Serve

    Arrange the crispy Korean fried chicken on a platter with a side of the chilled pickled radish. Enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
500
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Egg, Wheat, Soy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The MOST DELICIOUS CRISPY Korean Fried Chicken Recipe + Pickled Radish 🇰🇷🍗 후라이드치킨

Recipe by Modern Pepper

A step‑by‑step guide to making restaurant‑style super crispy Korean fried chicken (KFC) using a whole young chicken, double‑coated in a gochujang‑infused batter, and served with a refreshing Korean pickled radish (chicken mu). Includes detailed cutting instructions, marinating tips, oil temperature control, and pickling method.

MediumKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37h 15m
Prep
14m
Cook
4h 30m
Cleanup
41h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.00
Total cost
$3.25
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cutting the whole chicken into even pieces
  • Marinating the chicken for at least 12 hours
  • Double‑coating the chicken just before frying
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350 °F during frying
  • Checking internal temperature reaches 170 °F

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a thermometer and never leave unattended.
  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot; overcrowding drops oil temperature and creates soggy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean fried chicken (KFC) in Korean cuisine?

A

Korean fried chicken, known as "chikin," became popular in the 1970s after American fried chicken entered Korea. It evolved with a double‑coat technique and a sweet‑spicy glaze, becoming a staple for gatherings, late‑night meals, and paired with beer ("chimaek").

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken mu (pickled radish) in Korean cuisine?

A

In South Korea, chicken mu varies by region: the southern style uses a sweeter brine with rice syrup, while the northern style adds a hint of mustard seed. Some regions also add thinly sliced Korean chili for a subtle heat.

cultural
Q

How is chicken mu traditionally served alongside Korean fried chicken in Korean restaurants?

A

Chicken mu is served in a small side dish bowl, chilled, and eaten bite‑by‑bite between pieces of fried chicken. It acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the rich, oily chicken with its crisp, tangy flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean fried chicken traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Korean fried chicken is a popular dish for birthday parties, sports‑watching gatherings, and late‑night street food outings. It’s also a common comfort food during winter festivals and family get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with super crispy Korean fried chicken?

A

Typical pairings include kimchi, japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles), pajeon (green onion pancake), and a cold glass of Korean rice beer (maekju) or soju.

cultural
Q

What makes the double‑coat technique used in this Korean fried chicken recipe special in Korean cuisine?

A

The double‑coat creates an ultra‑light, crunchy crust that stays crisp even after the chicken cools. It combines a thin wet batter with a dry flour‑cornstarch dust, then a final drizzle of batter and crumbs, a method popularized by Korean street vendors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making super crispy Korean fried chicken at home?

A

Common errors include using oil that isn’t hot enough, overcrowding the pot, not drying the chicken properly, and skipping the double‑coat step. Each mistake leads to soggy or unevenly cooked chicken.

technical
Q

Why does this Korean fried chicken recipe use gochujang in the batter instead of hot sauce?

A

Gochujang adds a deep umami and subtle sweetness without overwhelming heat, allowing the chicken’s natural flavor to shine while still giving it a characteristic Korean flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make the pickled radish (chicken mu) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the radish a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay crisp and flavorful for up to two weeks.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Korean fried chicken is done cooking?

A

The crust should be golden‑brown, dry to the touch, and crackle lightly when pressed. Inside, the meat should be juicy, and a meat thermometer should read 170 °F.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Modern Pepper specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Modern Pepper focuses on instructional Korean cooking lessons, offering authentic Korean recipes, technique breakdowns, and Korean‑fusion dishes for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Modern Pepper's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Modern Pepper emphasizes hands‑on technique tutorials, such as cutting a whole chicken and double‑coating methods, while also providing cultural context and cost‑effective tips, setting it apart from channels that only show finished dishes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Bites)
13

Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Bites)

Crispy, crunchy Korean fried chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, quick-cooking pieces, double-fried for extra crunch and tossed in a gochujang-based sauce.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$10
Korean
Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Bites)
21

Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Bites)

Crispy, crunchy Korean fried chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, quick-cooking pieces, double-fried for extra crunch and tossed in a gochujang-based sauce.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$10
Korean
Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings with Sweet & Sour Sauce
12

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings with Sweet & Sour Sauce

A classic Korean street‑food style fried chicken wing: marinated overnight, double‑fried for extra crunch, and tossed in a glossy sweet‑sour gochugaru sauce. Perfect with a cold beer.

51 minServes 2$7
Korean
Assorted Korean Banchan (Namul, Radish Muchim, Pickled Radish, Quick Kimchi, Stir‑Fried Eggplant, Braised Potatoes, Soy‑Glazed Soft‑Boiled Eggs)
10

Assorted Korean Banchan (Namul, Radish Muchim, Pickled Radish, Quick Kimchi, Stir‑Fried Eggplant, Braised Potatoes, Soy‑Glazed Soft‑Boiled Eggs)

A complete Korean side‑dish spread featuring blanched vegetable namul, spicy radish muchim, quick pickled yellow radish, fast‑ferment kimchi, stir‑fried eggplant, braised potatoes, and soy‑glazed soft‑boiled eggs. All dishes are prepared with pantry staples and can be made in under two hours, perfect for a banchan‑heavy meal.

1 hr 35 minServes 4$14
Korean
Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings
17

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings

A step‑by‑step guide to making restaurant‑style Korean fried chicken that’s double‑fried for ultimate crunch, flavored with Cajun spices, ginger, garlic, and Korean chili flakes. The recipe follows the method demonstrated by the YouTube channel All Wings Everything.

1 hr 33 minServes 4$16
Korean
Korean Fried Chicken Bites (EXTRA CRISPY)
10

Korean Fried Chicken Bites (EXTRA CRISPY)

A street‑food style Korean fried chicken made with bite‑size skin‑on thigh pieces, double‑fried for extra crunch and tossed in a sweet‑spicy gochujang glaze. Perfect for snacking or a casual dinner.

1 hr 40 minServes 4$20
Korean