Korean Favorite Banban Fried Chicken Recipe – Half Spicy, Half Sweet, All Delicious

Korean fried chicken is renowned for its crispy, crunchy exterior and rich, bold flavors. Among the many variations, Banban Fried Chicken stands out as a delightful combination of two contrasting flavors: spicy and sweet. The dish features crispy fried chicken wings or drumsticks that are coated in a sauce that’s half spicy and half sweet, giving you a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with every bite. It’s the ideal comfort food with a kick, and today, we're sharing this irresistible recipe with you!

Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, Banban Fried Chicken will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500g chicken wings or drumsticks

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 egg

• 1 cup cold water (for batter)

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce (Half Spicy, Half Sweet):

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) (for the spicy side)

• 2 tbsp honey (for the sweet side)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 garlic clove (minced)

• 1/2 tsp Korean chili flakes (for extra spice, optional)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken wings or drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the batter stick better during frying.

2. Make the Batter

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and cold water. Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients to create a smooth batter.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dip each chicken piece into the batter and gently place into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 7–8 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine: Gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens. Add Korean chili flakes if you prefer extra heat.

5. Coat the Chicken

Once fried, toss half the chicken in the spicy gochujang sauce and the other half in the sweet honey-based sauce. Make sure each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.

6. Serve

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled veggies, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Why You’ll Love Banban Fried Chicken:

Banban Fried Chicken gives you the best of both worlds: the crispy crunch that we all crave from fried chicken, along with an incredibly flavorful sauce that provides a perfect balance between spicy and sweet. The combination of gochujang for heat and honey for sweetness makes it the perfect recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors.

The use of sesame oil adds a delightful nutty aroma, and the garnish of sesame seeds provides a perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, Banban Fried Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings.

How You Can Experiment with Banban Fried Chicken:

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can experiment with Banban Fried Chicken to create unique flavor profiles and add your own twist! Here are a few ideas:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you're not a fan of too much heat, reduce the amount of gochujang and Korean chili flakes in the sauce. On the flip side, if you love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount of gochujang or add some chopped fresh chilies to the sauce for an extra punch.

• Swap the Protein: Though chicken wings or drumsticks are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other proteins. Try using boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian alternative.

• Add Extra Sweetness: If you like your dishes sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey in the sauce, or even add a touch of maple syrup for a unique twist.

• Create a Fusion: For a fun fusion twist, why not try a Banban Chicken Sandwich? Place your crispy, saucy chicken between soft, toasted buns, and top it off with some crunchy slaw or pickles. This will add an extra texture contrast and make it perfect for a casual meal.

• Side Pairings: To balance out the rich, bold flavors of the chicken, try serving it with cooling sides like a tangy cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or crispy sweet potato fries. The freshness and crunch from these sides will perfectly complement the deep flavors of the chicken.