Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken is a crave-worthy blend of Korean spice and Hawaiian comfort, known for its ultra-crispy coating and bold, sticky sauce. The signature double-frying method makes the chicken incredibly crunchy, while the gochujang-based glaze adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a standout dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Achieves unbeatable crunch – Thanks to the double-fry method and cornstarch-rich batter, each bite stays crispy even after saucing.
Bold and balanced flavor – Gochujang brings heat, while honey and garlic add sweetness and depth, creating a complex, mouthwatering glaze.
Flexible and easy to adapt – Adjust the spice level, use boneless cuts, or even cook it in an air fryer—it’s easily customizable.
Homemade always wins – Skip takeout and make your own version of this iconic favorite with full control over ingredients and freshness.

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What Is Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken?

Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken is inspired by the Hawaiian restaurant chain Zippy’s, which serves up this Korean-American fusion dish. It features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, garlicky sauce made with gochujang—a staple in Korean cuisine. The double-frying technique is what gives the chicken its irresistible texture.

Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes (skin-on for best results)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cornstarch (essential for that extra crunch)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
½ cup cold water
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Korean Sauce:

3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste – spicy and slightly sweet)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon water (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish and extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better. In a bowl, season the wings with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the batter—this allows the seasoning to soak into the meat.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg, and cold water to create a thick, smooth batter. The cold water helps with a crispier texture during frying. The consistency should be just thick enough to coat the chicken without dripping too much.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and First Fry the Chicken

Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully place into the hot oil. Fry in small batches for about 8–10 minutes or until golden and just cooked through. Let the chicken drain on a wire rack.

Step 4: Double Fry for Maximum Crispiness

Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry. Return the chicken to the oil in batches and fry for another 2–3 minutes. This second fry gives the chicken its signature crisp texture that holds up even after adding sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Korean Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Place the hot fried chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the warm sauce over. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

What to Serve with Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken

Steamed jasmine rice – A neutral base that balances the bold sauce and completes the meal.
Hawaiian-style mac salad – Creamy and tangy, this is a classic pairing for local-style chicken plates.
Pickled daikon or radish – The acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
Coleslaw or cabbage salad – This adds a cool, crisp texture that complements the sticky glaze.
Kimchi on the side – A traditional Korean element that adds extra tang and spice to the meal.

Expert Tips for Mastering Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken

Dry the chicken well before coating – This ensures better adhesion of the batter and reduces oil splatter.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable for even crisping.
Use fresh oil if possible – Clean oil yields better color, taste, and crunch.
Double-frying makes a difference – It’s the secret to that long-lasting, crispy texture.
Keep the sauce warm, not hot – A warm sauce sticks better and keeps the coating crisp instead of soggy.

Variations of Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken

Boneless version – Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into chunks for bite-sized pieces.
Make it gluten-free – Swap flour with gluten-free all-purpose mix and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Air fryer option – Cook at 375°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lower-oil method.
Sticky garlic soy version – Leave out the gochujang and add more garlic and soy for a milder taste.
Add crushed peanuts – For extra crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle roasted peanuts on top before serving.

How to Store Leftover Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken?

Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately if possible to keep the coating from softening too much. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

How to Reheat Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken Leftovers?

Oven method – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for 10–12 minutes until crisp and hot.
Air fryer method – Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This helps restore crunch without overcooking.
Microwave method – Use in a pinch, but expect a softer texture. Cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 630mg
Cholesterol: 95mg

FAQs

What makes Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken so crispy compared to regular fried chicken?

Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken stays crisp because it’s double-fried, which removes moisture and locks in crunch. The use of cornstarch in the batter also helps create a lighter, crispier texture that holds up even after saucing.

Can I make Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken less spicy for kids or for milder taste preferences?

Yes, to make it milder, reduce the amount of gochujang or replace it with a mixture of ketchup and a touch of sriracha or honey. This still gives you flavor without overwhelming heat, making it more kid-friendly.

What oil is best for frying Korean fried chicken at home?

Use a neutral, high smoke point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils maintain a stable temperature during frying and don’t overpower the flavor of the chicken or sauce.

Can I bake or air fry Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can bake or air fry for a healthier alternative. For baking, coat the chicken lightly in oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes. In the air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Final Words

Zippy’s Korean Fried Chicken is more than just another fried chicken recipe—it’s a flavor-packed experience with the perfect crunch and a bold, satisfying sauce. Great for dinners, parties, or game day, it’s a dish that delivers both comfort and excitement. Give it a try and bring a little Hawaiian-Korean magic to your kitchen.