If you’re craving a dish that brings irresistible crunch, fiery spice, and a comforting cheesy finish all in one bite, this Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is about to become your new obsession. With perfectly battered chicken wings drenched in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, then crowned with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce, this recipe balances bold flavors and textures in a way that feels both exciting and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it at a game night or treating yourself after a long day, this dish elevates fried chicken to an unforgettable experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe comes from a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients that work together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating and tender chicken to the spicy kick of gochujang and the indulgent cheese sauce that finishes the dish with a silky touch.
- 2 lbs chicken wings: The perfect canvas for crispy frying and absorbing flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the light, crunchy crust.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the chicken coating.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a fragrant, savory depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and richness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives a gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild spicy hint.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and helps the coating stick.
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star sauce ingredient bringing authentic Korean heat and sweet complexity.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances the spice with luscious natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar): Melts into a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety cheese sauce base.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mix
Start by mixing your dry ingredients to ensure every bite has incredible flavor and crunch. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend sets the stage for a crispy, flavorful crust that will seal in juiciness while adding a dash of savory and smoky notes.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Wings
Dipping the chicken wings into buttermilk first helps tenderize the meat and acts like a glue for the coating. After soaking each wing, toss them thoroughly in the flour mixture until every nook gets covered in that crispy batter. This double-layered process is key to achieving the ultimate crunch with a tender interior.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Get your deep fryer or a large pot of oil heated to a steady 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks quickly without soaking up too much oil, delivering that perfect crisp. Patience is key here—keeping the oil at a consistent temperature makes all the difference in texture.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Wings
Carefully fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 8 to 10 minutes each. Watching for that golden brown color ensures they are perfectly cooked through and delightfully crunchy. Once fried, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil so the coating stays crisp.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine the gochujang, honey, and soy sauce over medium heat in a separate saucepan. Stir continuously until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened. This sauce delivers a gorgeous blend of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors that cling beautifully to every crispy wing.
Step 6: Toss Wings in Sauce
Once your wings are golden and crispy, toss them in the spicy gochujang sauce so that every piece gets coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. This step infuses each bite with bold, fiery notes balanced by the honey’s sweetness and the soy’s savoriness.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. This rich cheese sauce adds a creamy, luscious complement to the spicy chicken, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe: Final Assembly
To serve, arrange the spicy coated wings on a platter, drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce, and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. The green onions add a fresh pop of color and a gentle bite that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions are a must to lighten up the dish and add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a nutty note that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with cooling sides like crunchy pickled radishes or a simple cabbage slaw dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heat. Steamed white rice or sticky rice makes an excellent base as well, soaking up the sauce and providing comforting contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe in mini cast-iron skillets to keep everything warm and inviting. You can also turn it into a shareable platter by adding assorted dipping sauces on the side, such as garlic aioli or a mild yogurt dip, letting guests customize every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken wings and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. Stored properly, they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for quick and delicious meals the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken without the cheese sauce to preserve texture—wrap each wing individually before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month. Freeze the cheese sauce separately in a small container or ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep it smooth and prevent separation. Then combine for the perfect revived dish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
Absolutely! Drumsticks work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust the frying time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and achieve the same crispy finish.
Is there a substitute for gochujang if I don’t have it?
Gochujang is key to the authentic flavor, but if you can’t find it, a mix of chili paste with a touch of miso or a sweet chili sauce can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I make a milder version of this dish?
Definitely. Reduce the amount of gochujang or mix it with a bit of ketchup or honey to tame the heat while keeping the delicious spicy-sweet balance intact.
What cheese works best for the cheese sauce?
Mozzarella or cheddar are ideal because they melt smoothly and have a nice creamy texture. You can blend both for a slightly sharper flavor if you like.
How do I get extra crispy chicken every time?
Maintain the oil temperature consistently around 350°F and fry in small batches to avoid cooling the oil. Also, double coating the chicken and allowing it to rest briefly before frying helps the crust set nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that takes fried chicken to an entirely new, deliciously bold level. It’s perfect for sharing, celebrating flavors, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary at home. Once you try it, I’m sure it will be a favorite you want to make again and again—so get cooking and enjoy every crunchy, spicy, gooey bite!
Print
Korean Spicy Fried Chicken with Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Crispy Korean Spicy Fried Chicken wings coated in a flavorful gochujang-based sauce, topped with a creamy melted cheese sauce and garnished with fresh green onions. This indulgent dish combines the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
Spicy Sauce
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Cheese Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Mix: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create the seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken wing into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them evenly in the flour mixture to ensure a crisp crust when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated wings in batches to the hot oil, frying each batch for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make Spicy Sauce: While frying, in a separate saucepan over medium heat, whisk together gochujang, honey, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once fried, immediately toss the crispy wings in the spicy gochujang sauce to coat them evenly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat then add shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the spicy coated wings, drizzle or pour the warm cheese sauce over the top, and finish with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken wings by frying them initially, resting briefly, and frying again for a couple of minutes.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of gochujang according to your heat preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked wings.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk and a tablespoon of vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
- The cheese sauce can be varied with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mix for different flavor profiles.
