Yangnyeom Chicken

Name: Yangnyeom Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 800 g fried chicken; 4 tbsp gochujang glaze; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 chicken

Yangnyeom Chicken, a beloved Korean dish, is often enjoyed in the chimaek style—where chicken and beer meet over lively conversation. This home-cooked version captures the essence of how a Korean family might prepare it, with salt judged by hand and fat used with a generous touch. It's a dish that invites sharing, bringing the warmth of Korean hospitality to the table.

The flavors are a bold dance of spicy, sweet, and savory, with the gochujang glaze providing a fiery kick tempered by honey’s subtle sweetness. Soy sauce adds depth, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds offers a nutty finish. Each bite is a harmonious blend, crispy on the outside and tender within, a true indulgence for any occasion.

Ingredients

800 gfried chicken
4 tbspgochujang glaze
1 tbsphoney
1 tbspsoy sauce
1 tspsesame
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by patting the 800 g of fried chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken achieve a crispier texture when reheated. Season the chicken lightly with fine sea salt to enhance its flavor.
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Allow the chicken to brown on all sides, turning occasionally, until the exterior is golden and crispy.
Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tbsp of gochujang glaze, 1 tbsp of honey, and 1 tbsp of soy sauce to the skillet. Stir the mixture gently to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and cling to the chicken, becoming glossy and aromatic.
If the sauce appears too thin, continue to cook it down, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thicker consistency that adheres well to the chicken. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional fine sea salt if necessary, ensuring a balanced sweet and spicy flavor.
Finish the dish by sprinkling 1 tsp of sesame seeds over the chicken for a nutty aroma and a slight crunch. Serve the Yangnyeom Chicken immediately, allowing the family to enjoy the crispy, flavorful coating and tender meat, perfect for sharing around the table.