Introduction
This crispy chicken recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring the unique spiciness of gochujang sauce. Perfectly breaded and air-fried, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it with a flavorful gochujang butter sauce and Yum Yum sauce for dipping to create a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
– 1 lb. chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 tablespoon gochujang sauce
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– Avocado oil spray
For the Gochujang Butter:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, grated
– 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
– Salt, to taste
Extras:
– Yum Yum sauce for dipping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Slice each chicken breast into thinner pieces. Begin by removing the tenderloin from the back, then cut the breast horizontally into halves or thirds, depending on thickness.
– Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
– Arrange three shallow bowls:
– Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
– Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and 1/2 tablespoon gochujang sauce.
– Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
– Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt to both the flour and panko bowls, mixing well.
3. Bread the Chicken:
– Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
– Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
– Press into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
4. Cook the Chicken:
– Lightly spray the top surface of each breaded chicken piece with avocado oil.
– Place the chicken pieces in an air fryer basket in a single layer.
– Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
– Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Gochujang Butter:
– In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter.
– Stir in the grated garlic and 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang sauce until well combined.
– Season with salt to taste.
6. Assemble and Serve:
– Brush each crispy chicken piece with the gochujang butter sauce.
– Slice the chicken into desired portions.
– Serve with Yum Yum sauce for dipping.
Alternative Cooking Methods
– Oven Baking:
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
– Pan Frying:
– Heat a shallow layer of neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces.
– Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
– Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
– Adjust the amount of gochujang in the butter sauce according to your preferred spice level.
– Serve the crispy gochujang chicken with a side salad, over rice, or in a sandwich for a complete meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast into thinner pieces. Begin by removing the tenderloin from the back, then cut the breast horizontally into halves or thirds, depending on thickness. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Set Up Breading Stations:
Arrange three shallow bowls:
– Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
– Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and 1/2 tablespoon gochujang sauce.
– Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt to both the flour and panko bowls, mixing well.
Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
Cook the Chicken:
Lightly spray the top surface of each breaded chicken piece with avocado oil. Place the chicken pieces in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Gochujang Butter:
In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the grated garlic and 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang sauce until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
Brush each crispy chicken piece with the gochujang butter sauce. Slice the chicken into desired portions. Serve with Yum Yum sauce for dipping.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven Baking:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Pan Frying:
Heat a shallow layer of neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Cooking Temperature:
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Adjusting Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of gochujang in the butter sauce according to your preferred spice level.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crispy gochujang chicken with a side salad, over rice, or in a sandwich for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast into thinner pieces, removing the tenderloin and cutting horizontally. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
Setting Up Breading Stations
Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with a whisked mixture of eggs and gochujang sauce, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Add extra salt to the flour and panko for an even flavor.
Breading the Chicken
Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Cooking the Chicken
Lightly spray the breaded chicken with avocado oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, then increase to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Preparing the Gochujang Butter
Melt unsalted butter in a bowl, then mix in grated garlic and gochujang sauce. Season with salt to taste for a savory and spicy finishing touch.
Assembling and Serving
Brush the crispy chicken with gochujang butter, slice as desired, and serve with Yum Yum sauce for a delightful dipping experience.
Alternative Cooking Methods
For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken on parchment-lined sheets for 14-18 minutes. For pan frying, heat oil over medium and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and well-cooked.
FAQ
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili powder, known for its spicy and slightly sweet flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture, but ensure they are cooked thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of gochujang in both the chicken breading and the butter sauce to adjust the spice level.
What’s a good substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as an alternative, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Conclusion
This crispy chicken recipe combines the crunchiness of panko breadcrumbs with the unique flavor of gochujang, enhanced by the rich gochujang butter. It’s a delightful dish perfect for dinner, snacks, or gatherings, bringing a spicy and savory twist to the classic crispy chicken.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Use the gochujang butter to marinate shrimp, then grill or sauté and serve in corn tortillas with fresh slaw and avocado.
Gochujang Roasted Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots in a mix of olive oil and gochujang for a spicy roasted side dish.
Gochujang Chicken Sandwich
Layer crispy gochujang chicken on a toasted bun with slaw, pickles, and extra gochujang sauce for a scrumptious sandwich option.
Korean Fried Rice
Sauté leftover crispy chicken pieces with rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and a spoonful of gochujang for a flavorful one-pan meal.
Spicy Chicken Salad
Combine diced crispy chicken with mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, and a dressing made with gochujang and yogurt for a zesty salad.
