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If you love crispy, sticky, flavor-packed chicken but still want something healthy, this easy Korean fried chicken is about to be your new go-to.
It’s high in protein, lower in calories, plus surprisingly simple and quick to make at home.
You get that perfect crispy coating, coated in a sweet, spicy, garlicky sauce that tastes like takeout. But better. And lighter.
Ingredients
- 700g diced chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 45g cornflour or cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 90ml salt-reduced soy sauce
- 90ml water
- 15g minced garlic
- 10g minced ginger
- 1 tbsp gochujang chilli paste
- 40g honey
- 15ml rice wine vinegar
- 10ml sesame oil
- 3g cornflour mixed with water
Optional for serving:
- 130g cooked white rice per serving
- Sesame seeds
- Spring onions
- Sliced red chilli
How to make easy Korean fried chicken
Start by seasoning your diced chicken breast with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and a little olive oil. Give everything a good mix so each piece is coated.
Next, add your cornflour and toss until the chicken is lightly coated. This is what gives you that crispy texture.
Heat oil in a pan on high heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken. This step really matters. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating can turn soggy instead of crispy.
Cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, set it aside.
In the same pan on low heat, combine soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir gently, then increase the heat slightly. Slowly add the cornflour slurry while stirring until the sauce thickens.
Add the chicken back in and toss until every piece is coated in that glossy sauce.
How long does it take + serving ideas
This easy Korean fried chicken takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for busy days or quick meal prep sessions.
Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic combo. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or even wrap it in lettuce for a lighter option. Add sesame seeds and fresh spring onions on top for extra flavor and texture.
Why you will love this recipe
- High protein and balanced for meal prep
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes
- Better than takeout but healthier
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Easy to customize with your favorite sides
Tips, variations, and swaps
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps lock in that crispy coating.
If you want a lighter version, you can air fry or oven bake the chicken instead. It still turns out delicious.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang. For a sweeter version, increase the honey slightly.
You can also swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer something juicier. Try adding veggies like bell peppers or snap peas directly into the sauce for a one-pan meal.
Storage and meal prep
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store the chicken and rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave until hot or warm it in a pan for a few minutes. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
For best texture, store toppings like spring onions separately and add them fresh before serving.
Easy & Healthy Korean Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season diced chicken with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Add cornflour and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a pan on high heat until hot.
- Cook chicken until golden, crispy, and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, gochujang, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly add cornflour slurry while stirring until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat.
- Serve with rice and toppings of choice.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot before cooking the chicken
- Add the cornflour slurry slowly to control sauce thickness
- Air fry or bake the chicken for a lighter option
- Adjust spice and sweetness to taste
Nutrition (per serving with rice)
- Calories: 494
- Carbs: 57.5g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 45g
Give it a try
If you’ve been looking for a high protein recipe that actually feels exciting, this easy Korean fried chicken is it.
It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeks. Try it once and it might just become part of your regular rotation.
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