Eat Like a Local, Eat like Koreans

Did you know the average Korean eats 26 chickens a year?

To be honest, for us Koreans, these numbers aren’t even that surprising! Looking at my son, I’m pretty sure he could devour way more than that on his own.

I got home a bit late last night after a meetup, and guess what I spotted waiting for me on the dining table? That all-too-familiar box…

Yep, it was fried chicken—the ‘celebration’ snack for my son and husband to kick off the weekend. (I mean, the weekend happens every single week, but apparently, it still deserves a ceremony!) It’s funny how a simple chicken box can turn a regular Friday night into a full-on festive occasion in our house.

Chicken is hands-down my son’s favorite food, and honestly, you can’t talk about Korean food without mentioning it. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the (probably 26+!) chickens I’ve devoured over time.

I’ve heard that Korean chicken is becoming quite famous worldwide, and I can confirm it is definitely true. But what makes it so special? From the legendary crunch to the wide variety of unique sauces, I’ll show you exactly how Korean chicken stands out from the rest of the world.

Korea: The Ultimate Delivery Chicken Heaven

If there’s one thing Korea has truly mastered, it’s the art of delivery. We call it a delivery heaven for a reason! You can get piping hot, extra-crispy chicken delivered to your doorstep at almost any hour, whether you’re at home, at a park by the Han River, or even at a baseball stadium.

The speed and precision are mind-blowing. Most orders arrive within 30 to 40 minutes, packed in clever boxes designed to keep the steam out so the crust stays crunchy. And the best part? The variety! With a few taps on a smartphone app, you have access to hundreds of local shops and major franchises, each offering their own secret recipes.

Out of all the choices, my absolute favorite brand is Kyochon Chicken. Their signature soy sauce glaze has the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. What’s even more impressive is how the chicken stays incredibly crunchy even after being coated in sauce!

I personally love the wing and drumette sections. I’ve noticed that many people abroad prefer chicken breast, but in Korea, we are usually divided into two camps: those who love the lean breast meat and those who live for the juicy wings and legs. That’s why instead of ordering a whole chicken, I usually go for the specific option that lets me enjoy only my favorite parts—the wings and drumettes.

And you can’t forget the essential partners that complete the meal: pickled radish and beer!

In Korea, we even have a dedicated word for it—Chimeak (a combination of Chicken and Maekju, the Korean word for beer). It’s practically an unwritten rule that if you’re having chicken, you’re having beer with it. Haha! The tangy, crunchy pickled radish cleanses your palate between bites, while the cold beer cuts through the richness, making you ready for the next piece.

Birthday Party Staple: Delivery Chicken

When it comes to birthday parties in Korea, delivery chicken is the undisputed star of the menu. 

Chicken is always a safe bet because everyone loves it. There is literally no room for failure with a chicken menu. (And don’t even get me started on the kids—they go absolutely crazy for it!)

Take a look at this photo from when we gathered at a friend’s house to celebrate her birthday. We had a huge spread with tteokbokki, sundae (Korean blood sausage), fish cakes, and salad, but clearly, the chicken still took center stage!

On this day, we tried something a bit special to balance out the richness of fried chicken—though, to be honest, I rarely find it greasy because it’s just so delicious to me! It was topped with spicy jalapeños and a special sauce that added a nice kick.

Trying out all these different, creative flavors with friends is definitely part of the fun of the Korean chicken experience. (They say there are over 700 chicken brands in Korea alone. If you tried to taste just two or three signature menus from each one, I don’t think you could conquer them all in a lifetime!)

The Essence of a Classic: Fried Chicken

Back when I was a kid, chicken options were pretty simple—it was either Fried or Yangnyeom (Seasoned).

Back then, Yangnyeom meant just one thing: that iconic, sweet, and tangy red sauce. I absolutely loved it! But fast forward to today, and the scene has completely transformed. Now, we have dozens of different seasonings and sauces to choose from. It’s amazing to see how much the Korean chicken world has evolved from those two classic choices to the endless variety we enjoy now.

If you ever get the chance, you absolutely have to try these seasoned chickens. It’s a special kind of flavor that I feel you can only truly experience here in Korea.

But as they say, classics never go out of style. The fried chicken—especially the Korean version of it—will give you a whole different level of excitement. Even though it’s technically the same “fried chicken” you find elsewhere, like KFC or standard hot wings, Korean fried chicken hits differently. There’s a distinct touch to it that sets it apart from anything else you’ve had abroad.

Why Korean Fried Chicken Hits Differently

If you think all fried chicken is the same, think again! While global chains like KFC are known for their thick, heavily breaded, and salty crust, Korean fried chicken takes a completely different approach.

The secret lies in the double-frying method. We fry the chicken once to cook it through, and then a second time at a higher temperature. This process renders out the fat from the skin, resulting in a paper-thin, crackly crust that stays crunchy for hours. It’s not just breading; it’s a delicate, glass-like shell that shatters with every bite.

Also, Korean chicken tends to use smaller, younger chickens, which makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy compared to the larger, sometimes tougher portions found elsewhere. It’s this perfect harmony of a light, super-crispy exterior and a succulent interior that makes Korean fried chicken a global gold standard.

The Surprise Snack – Fried Chicken Gizzards

Now, let me tell you something that might actually shock you. Ready?

We also fry chicken gizzards—yes, you heard that right! While they are often stir-fried in Korea, coating them in batter and deep-frying them is a total game-changer. It’s one of my favorite delicacies.

There’s a traditional market near the hospital where I take my son for his regular checkups. Our little ritual is to stop by the market after his appointment and grab a bag of these fried gizzards. Walking back while sharing that crunchy, chewy snack has become such a special and fun memory for both of us.

With all these amazing pairings and the perfect partner in crime—ice-cold beer—I’ve managed to “food-fight” my way through 26 (or probably way more!) chickens a year! Hahaha. My mission to explore the endless world of Korean chicken continues!

So, which of these Korean chickens are you dying to try first? Whether it’s the classic crunch of fried chicken, the sweet and savory soy glaze of Kyochon, or even the adventurous fried gizzards, I’d love to know your pick!

Also, I’m genuinely curious about the chicken in your country. What makes it unique, and what kind of flavors or traditions do you have back home? Please share your stories in the comments—I can’t wait to hear about your local favorites!

From the Land of Chicken, MJay ^^