Korean Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast (or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.75 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 3 tbsp flour
• 0.75 tsp baking powder
• 0.333 cup gochujang
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 4 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• green onions (for garnish)
• sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the bite-size chicken pieces, eggs, 3 tbsp soy sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.

2. 2

   Mix the chicken and marinade ingredients until the chicken is fully coated.

3. 3

   Add the cornstarch, flour, and baking powder to the bowl with the chicken.

4. 4

   Toss the mixture until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the crispy coating.

5. 5

   To cook in an air fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the chicken pieces, then cook for another 4 minutes until crispy.

6. 6

   To cook in an oven: Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

7. 7

   In a pan over medium heat, combine the gochujang, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, 3 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

8. 8

   Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it has thickened.

9. 9

   Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter until melted and incorporated.

10. 10

    Add the crispy cooked chicken to a bowl and pour in about ½ cup of the prepared sauce.

11. 11

    Toss until the chicken is fully coated, adding more sauce if desired.

12. 12

    Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

One commenter suggested draining excess liquid from the chicken marinade before adding the dry coating ingredients to avoid a 'sandy' texture. The sauce is noted to be spicy.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• high-protein
• air-fryer
• baked
• dinner
• korean-inspired
• weeknight-staple