Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken Recipe

There’s something irresistible about crispy, saucy chicken bites, and Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken delivers all the bold flavor and crunchy goodness of Korean fried chicken—without breaking out the deep fryer! It’s spicy, sweet, gloriously sticky, and genuinely addictive. This is the weeknight (or party!) chicken upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken is in how these basic ingredients, when combined, create so much texture and flavor. Each one has a purpose—whether it’s snappy crunch, tenderness, or those sweet-spicy Korean flavors you crave!

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Chop them into even, bite-size cubes for tender results and perfect sauce coverage.
• Buttermilk: This tangy bath works magic, tenderizing chicken and helping the crunchy coating stick.
• Corn Flakes, Finely Crushed: Your secret to golden, shatteringly crisp chicken—don’t substitute with breadcrumbs!
• Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit adds structure to the coating and binds everything together.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the crispy exterior.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light brush before baking helps the oven deliver that signature fried crunch.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Key for both salt and serious umami in the Korean BBQ sauce.
• Honey: Sweetens and balances the heat, making the glaze irresistibly sticky.
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The heart of that spicy-sweet flavor—adjust more or less for your preferred heat.
• Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens every bite and lifts up the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Grated into the sauce for warmth and aromatic depth.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Finishes the Korean BBQ sauce with nutty, toasty flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: For crunch and that classic finishing touch.
• Green Onions: Sliced thin for a fresh, colorful final sprinkle.

Variations

This Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken is seriously easy to make your own. Whether you want to play with spice, swap proteins, or create a gluten-free version, the possibilities are endless—so don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap for chicken thighs for extra juicy bites—just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF corn flakes, and you’re golden!
• Extra Spicy: Amp up the gochujang or add a dash of chili flakes to crank up the heat.
• Kid-Friendly: Omit or halve the gochujang for a milder sauce that still packs big flavor.

How to Make Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your cubed chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag, pour over the buttermilk, and make sure every piece is well coated. Letting the chicken marinate (even just for the time it takes to prep everything else) makes it super tender and ensures every bite is juicy inside, crunchy outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

While your chicken is soaking, combine the crushed corn flakes, flour, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mixture is what gives your Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken its signature crunch, so crush the cornflakes nice and fine for best results.

Step 3: Dredge & Arrange

Pull each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and dunk it into the corn flake mixture, pressing gently so the coating clings to every surface. Lay each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet—if you have a lot of chicken, spread it out between two pans to help everything crisp up evenly!

Step 4: Bake Until Crisp

Lightly brush the tops with olive oil for extra crunch, and bake at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes. The high heat brings those crumbs to golden, crispy perfection, while the chicken stays tender and juicy inside. No flipping necessary!

Step 5: Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine the soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a quick boil, then simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and glossy. The scent alone is going to make you hungry!

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once your chicken bites are crispy and deeply golden, brush or drizzle them generously with the sticky Korean BBQ sauce. Finish with sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onion—the finishing touch that makes Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken truly special.

How to Serve Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions not only looks stunning but brings that signature Korean-inspired flavor and texture to every bite. For extra zing, add a handful of thinly sliced red chili or even quick-pickled radishes on top.

Side Dishes

Let Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken shine with simple sides: think fluffy steamed rice, crisp lettuce wraps, or a cool cucumber salad. For a heartier table, try pairing with pickled vegetables (like kimchi) or throw together a bowl of spicy mayo for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn it into a party-worthy appetizer by skewering the chicken bites on toothpicks, or serve family-style in a big platter drizzled with sauce. For a game-day vibe, pile them into lettuce cups or slider buns with extra sauce and crunchy slaw—Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen often!), pack your cooled popcorn chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate, if possible, to preserve the crispness.

Freezing

Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Lay the baked (un-sauced) chicken pieces on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and re-crisp in the oven before saucing and serving.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy—about 8–10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings that irresistible crunch right back!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, give Oven Fried Korean Popcorn Chicken a try—you’ll get all the spicy, sweet, ultra-crispy satisfaction of your favorite takeout, straight from your own kitchen. Let’s just say, don’t be surprised if this becomes your new signature chicken recipe. Enjoy every bite!

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