Sweet Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Sweet Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Craving a bold Korean chicken dish that blends sweet and spicy flavors?

Bold seasonings dance across tender meat in this irresistible recipe.

Marinades packed with gochujang and honey create an explosive taste profile that’ll make you swoon.

Authentic Korean ingredients shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Complex layers of heat and sweetness emerge from simple pantry staples.

Marinating techniques unlock incredible depth and richness in every morsel.

Ready to impress dinner companions with a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home?

Ingredients For Flavorful Crispy Sweet Chili Wings

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Wings: Fresh wings that provide the base for this crispy and flavorful dish.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy exterior when frying the wings.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Sweet Chili Sauce, Sugar, Vinegar, Soy Sauce: Combine to create a tangy and sweet coating for the wings.
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a garnish that adds visual appeal and a fresh crunch to the final dish.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Cooking Oil: Used for deep frying the chicken wings to achieve a golden and crispy texture.

Cooking Up Crispy Sweet Chili Wings The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Wings

Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.

Season wings with salt and black pepper.

Dust wings completely with cornstarch, ensuring each wing is evenly and thoroughly coated for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Deep Fry Wings

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.

Carefully lower wings into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry wings until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Transfer fried wings to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Create Sweet Chili Glaze

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk ingredients together and simmer over medium heat.

Cook sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Coat Wings with Glaze

Transfer hot wings to a large mixing bowl.

Pour warm sweet chili glaze over wings.

Toss gently until each wing is completely and evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over glazed wings.

Serve immediately while wings are hot and crispy.

Enjoy with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips For The Crispiest Sweet Chili Wings

  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly coat wings with cornstarch for maximum crispiness and uniform coverage.
  • Maintain consistent 350F heat to ensure crispy exterior without burning, using a digital thermometer for accuracy.
  • Place wings on a wire rack over paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms and retain crunchiness.
  • Simmer sauce slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve perfect sticky-sweet thickness.
  • Toss wings in sauce right before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Sweet Chili Wing Flavors Worth Trying Soon

  • Gluten-Free Wings: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or potato starch for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Baked Low-Fat Option: Skip frying and bake wings at 425F for 45 minutes, turning once, to reduce oil content while keeping exterior crisp.
  • Air Fryer Healthier Approach: Cook wings in air fryer at 380F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter cooking method with similar crunch.
  • Spicy Jamaican Remix: Add scotch bonnet peppers and allspice to sweet chili sauce for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile with extra heat.

Serving Crispy Sweet Chili Wings For A Crowd

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange wings on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Spicy Side Kick: Serve alongside cool cucumber salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the sweet chili heat and provide refreshing contrast.
  • Appetizer Adventure: Present wings as bite-sized party snacks on small skewers or toothpicks, making them easy to grab and perfect for cocktail parties or social events.
  • Rice Bowl Remix: Top steamed white rice with these crispy wings, drizzling extra sauce and sprinkling green onions for a complete meal that transforms the appetizer into a satisfying dinner.

Keeping Crispy Sweet Chili Wings Fresh Longer

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Wrap wings tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Place wings on baking sheet, spread apart. Warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crispiness.
  • Set air fryer to 375F. Arrange wings in single layer. Warm for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crunch.

FAQs

  • Can I bake the wings instead of frying?

Yes, bake wings at 425F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165F.

  • What if I don't have cornstarch?

You can substitute with all-purpose flour or rice flour for similar crispy coating results.

  • How spicy are these wings?

The sweet chili sauce offers mild heat, balanced with sweetness. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or use a spicier chili sauce.

  • Are these wings gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornstarch and check that your chili sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Crispy Sweet Chili Wings Everyone Will Rave About

  • Conquer Crispy Texture: Perfectly golden wings with a satisfying crunch that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Simple steps and minimal ingredients mean you can whip up restaurant-quality wings in no time.
  • Spice Up Family Meals: Sweet and spicy flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
  • Impress Without Stress: Beginner-friendly recipe that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together with minimal cooking skills.
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Sweet Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

Sweet Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Korean Chicken brings bold flavors dancing across your plate with authentic Seoul-inspired zest. Crispy golden pieces deliver spicy-sweet harmony that draws hungry diners into a delightful culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 kg (2.2 pounds) chicken wings
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare wings by generously seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage. Dust thoroughly with cornstarch, creating a light, even coating that will help achieve maximum crispiness.
  2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F. Carefully lower wings in small batches to prevent overcrowding, frying until they transform into a rich golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  3. Transfer crispy wings to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain completely while maintaining their crunchy exterior.
  4. Craft the sweet chili sauce by combining ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy, rich consistency, around 4-5 minutes.
  5. Gently tumble the freshly fried wings in the prepared sweet chili sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly coated with the vibrant, sticky glaze.
  6. Plate the sauced wings on a serving platter, sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a burst of color and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, which guarantees evenly cooked and crispy wings.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for same crispy texture.
  • Add extra heat by including red pepper flakes or sriracha in sweet chili sauce for spice lovers who want more kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 517 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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