Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, crispy chicken recipe with a kick, you’ve come to the right place! This dish features succulent chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and breaded, then air-fried to golden perfection. Paired with a rich gochujang butter sauce, it’s a delightful combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether enjoyed as a main course or appetizer, this crispy chicken recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ tablespoon gochujang sauce
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Avocado oil spray
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, grated
1½ tablespoons gochujang sauce
Salt, to taste
Optional: Store-bought Yum Yum sauce for dipping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
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 the eggs and ½ tablespoon gochujang sauce.
– Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
Season both the flour and panko with an additional ½ teaspoon of salt each.
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 all 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, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
5. Prepare the Gochujang Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the grated garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in 1½ tablespoons of gochujang sauce until fully incorporated. Season with salt to taste.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the warm gochujang butter over the crispy chicken pieces. Serve immediately, accompanied by Yum Yum sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy your deliciously crispy chicken!
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 the eggs and ½ tablespoon gochujang sauce.
– Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
– Season both the flour and panko with an additional ½ teaspoon of salt each.
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 all 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, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
– Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Prepare the Gochujang Butter:
– In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Add the grated garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
– Stir in 1½ tablespoons of gochujang sauce until fully incorporated.
– Season with salt to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
– Drizzle the warm gochujang butter over the crispy chicken pieces.
– Serve immediately, accompanied by Yum Yum sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
Optional Extras:
– Store-bought Yum Yum sauce works well as a dipping option.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces and season with kosher salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Setting Up Breading Stations
Organize three shallow bowls for the breading process: flour, egg mixture with gochujang, and panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour and panko with salt for added taste.
Breading the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat with panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy exterior.
Cooking the Chicken
Use an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure an even golden and crispy texture without overcrowding.
Preparing the Gochujang Butter
Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan, then add grated garlic and gochujang for a flavorful drizzle over the chicken.
Assembling and Serving
Drizzle the gochujang butter over the crispy chicken and serve immediately with optional Yum Yum sauce for dipping.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, but adjust cooking time as necessary.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used as alternatives, though they may not achieve the same level of crispiness.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Is there a vegan alternative for the crispy chicken?
You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, following a similar breading process for a vegan option.
Can I prepare the gochujang butter in advance?
Yes, the gochujang butter can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Conclusion
Enjoy this crispy chicken recipe, featuring a delightful gochujang butter that adds a spicy twist to a classic favorite. The combination of the crispy coating and the rich, flavorful butter makes for a perfect dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or in sliders. This recipe is easily customizable, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tacos
Shred the crispy chicken and serve it in soft tortillas topped with fresh cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of gochujang butter for a unique taco experience.
Crispy Chicken Salad
Slice the crispy chicken over a bed of mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a sesame dressing for a refreshing salad.
Gochujang Chicken Sandwich
Place crispy chicken in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of Yum Yum sauce for a delicious sandwich option.
Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl
Serve the crispy chicken over a bowl of rice with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of gochujang butter for a hearty meal.
Gochujang Chicken Stir-Fry
Use the crispy chicken in a quick stir-fry with vegetables and a gochujang sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
