Are you craving a dish that packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than my easy recipe for Korean Spicy Chicken Tenders! This dish is all about juicy chicken coated in a spicy, crispy crust. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress friends and family in no time. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Let’s dive into the tasty details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The combination of gochujang, sesame oil, and honey gives these chicken tenders a unique and delicious flavor that is both spicy and sweet.
- Crispy Texture: The cornstarch and flour coating creates a wonderfully crispy exterior, making each bite satisfying and crunchy.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with simple ingredients and easy steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang, or even include different seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
The key to this dish is the chicken tenders. They are juicy and tender, perfect for frying. The marinade mixes buttermilk with gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This blend gives the chicken a spicy kick and rich flavor.
The coating is simple but makes a huge difference. Cornstarch and flour create a great crunch. Baking powder helps it puff up when frying, adding to the crispy texture. The salt and black pepper enhance the taste without overpowering the sauce's spice.
When you fry these tenders, the hot oil makes them golden and crispy. The garnishes of sesame seeds and green onions not only make the dish pretty but add fresh flavor too.
This blend of ingredients will give you delicious Korean spicy chicken tenders that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Mixing dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until blended and set aside.
- Preparing the marinade
In another bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Mix well until smooth.
- Marinating the chicken
Take 500g chicken tenders and coat them in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking
- Heating oil and frying
Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating it to about 1 inch deep over medium-high heat. This helps create that crispy outer layer.
- Achieving the perfect crispiness
After marinating, remove the chicken and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the dry mixture. Press down to ensure the coating sticks well. When the oil reaches 350°F (180°C), carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Fry in batches so the pan does not get crowded.
- Draining and garnishing
Fry each tender for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Once cooked, place the chicken on a plate with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Optimal Flavor
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the buttermilk mix for at least 30 minutes. However, I recommend marinating for up to 2 hours. This longer time lets the spices soak in deeply.
Do you like it spicy? Adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang. Start with the recipe’s amount and taste the marinade. You can add more if you want extra heat.
To get that crispy texture, coat the chicken well in the flour mixture. Press down gently as you dredge each piece. When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough, around 350°F (180°C). This heat creates a golden, crunchy outside.
Serving Suggestions
For a delicious meal, serve these chicken tenders with sides like rice, pickled veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. This adds color and flavor, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This will enhance the taste and tenderness.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F/180°C). This helps achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
- Batch Cooking: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Serving Suggestion: For a vibrant presentation, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions just before serving to add color and flavor.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
Substitutes for chicken: If you want to switch things up, try using tofu or tempeh. They soak up flavors well and give a great texture. For a fish option, use firm white fish like cod.
Gluten-free options: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so that works great.
Different spice levels: Adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang. For a milder flavor, you can mix in some ketchup or less chili paste.
Cooking Methods
Baking vs. frying: Baking is a healthier choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking.
Air fryer instructions: For the air fryer, preheat it to 380°F (193°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure crispiness.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Korean spicy chicken tenders fresh, store them properly. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store the container in your refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
For freezing, wrap each tender in plastic wrap first. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Methods
Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want to keep them crispy. The best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crunch.
You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method also keeps them crispy and tasty. Just avoid using the microwave. It can make them soggy and chewy. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to thaw them before marinating. This helps the marinade soak in better. If you skip thawing, your chicken may not absorb as much flavor.
What can I substitute for gochujang?
If you don't have gochujang, you can mix red chili powder with a bit of honey and soy sauce. This mix gives a similar sweet and spicy taste. Another option is using sriracha, but it may change the flavor slightly.
How do I make the dish less spicy?
To make the dish less spicy, use less gochujang in the marinade. You can also add more buttermilk to tone down the heat. If you like, serve the chicken with a creamy dip to balance the spice.
This guide covered key ingredients and simple steps to make crispy chicken tenders. We explored tips for great flavor and discussed variations for different tastes. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them properly. Understanding these methods will help you create a delicious dish every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
