11 Most Authentic Korean Fried Chicken in NYC for 2024

If you're craving a new and exciting food to hit the West, Korean fried chicken in NYC is worth a try. What you may not know is that Korean style fried chicken has been around since the 1970s, so it's had a long time to be perfected before entering the U.S.

Golden brown and crunchy, this popular dish is often served with a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce that will tantalize your senses and satisfy your cravings. And don't forget the side order of kimchi and pickles! 

Where can I find the best Korean fried chicken NYC has to offer? What restaurant serves the best fried chicken in Manhattan, the Bronx or other New York City boroughs?

Let’s explore the answers to these questions while we examine the gastronomic wonders of Korean fried chicken in NYC. Keep reading to discover more. 

Jump to Section 

• What Makes Korean Fried Chicken Different From Fried Chicken?
• Best Korean Fried Chicken Brooklyn
• Best Fried Chicken in Manhattan
• Other Best Korean Fried Chicken in NYC
• Korean Fried Chicken in NYC FAQs

What Makes Korean Fried Chicken Different From Fried Chicken?

Korean fried chicken is a popular dish that appeals to people of all ages and with varying spice tolerances. It stands out from traditional American fried chicken due to several key differences in preparation, flavor and texture. They include the following.

Double-Frying Technique: One of the most significant differences between Korean fried chicken and traditional American chicken is the frying method. Korean fried chicken is fried twice, which renders out the fat from the skin, resulting in an exceptionally crispy and less greasy surface.

This technique differs from the single fry method of preparing most traditional fried chicken dishes. It helps the chicken stay crispy longer after being coated in sauce.

Flavorful Marinades: Before frying, Korean fried chicken is often marinated in a mixture of spices and ingredients such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce and rice wine.

This marinade can vary by restaurant or recipe, but it always infuses the chicken with deep, savory flavors that permeate each bite. In contrast, traditional fried chicken is often simply battered or seasoned with a dry rub. 

Sauces and Seasonings: After frying, Korean fried chicken is frequently tossed or coated in various sauces and seasonings. Popular sauces include yangnyeom (a sweet and spicy red sauce made from gochujang or red chili paste), soy garlic and honey butter.

These sauces add an extra layer of rich and complex flavor, setting it apart from the more straightforward seasoning of traditional fried chicken.

Lighter Batter: The batter used for Korean fried chicken tends to be lighter and thinner than that used for traditional Southern fried chicken.

This results in a crispier, more delicate crust that emphasizes the flavor of the chicken itself. One advantage of this batter is that it makes the chicken delicious, whether hot or cold.

Korean fried chicken in NYC restaurants stands out as authentic and can be outstanding for takeout and enjoying as leftovers the day after your meal! 

Best Korean Fried Chicken Brooklyn

1. Bonchon 

Bonchon is a well-known global chain. So while it specializes in Korean fried chicken in NYC, it's also available in other parts of the country. In fact, is was born in Busan, South Korea and has many chains worldwide from Cambodia to the Philippines and even Kuwait and Bahrain!

The Brooklyn location offers a casual dining atmosphere and focuses on high-quality, double-fried chicken served by a friendly staff. This location is ideal if you are searching for casual date ideas in NYC or indoor activities in NYC for a group of foodie friends.

The soy garlic wings are a popular pick, or choose the spicy drumsticks for a dish with crisp and kick. 

2. Pelicana Chicken

Pelicana is a popular restaurant for Korean fried chicken in NYC. It is rated highly and often praised for offering high-quality food at reasonable prices. Also born in South Korea, in Daejeon city, Pelicana has expanded to over 3,000 stores around the globe. 

Its Brooklyn location has an expansive menu with various sauces and flavors, definitely one of the most authentic spots for Korean fried chicken in NYC. Its cozy space is bright and inviting, and some of its most popular dishes include sweet and savory honey garlic chicken and light and crispy original fried chicken. 

3. Her Name is Han

Modern and inviting, Her Name is Han serves authentic Korean fried chicken in NYC’s Brooklyn borough. The restaurant is located on 31st Street and is popular among locals and tourists. The expansive menu includes beautiful imagery of Korean fried chicken in NYC, as well as traditional Korean delights like Bulgogi Bibimbap, Galbi BBQ, Kimchi Pancake and Dumplings

It even offers noodle and rice dishes that rival popular vegan restaurants in NYC. Choose this restaurant if you are looking for a place that has something for everyone in your party to enjoy. 

4. Mad for Chicken (MFC)

With signature soy garlic chicken and other Korean-inspired dishes, MFC is a popular Brooklyn restaurant for Korean fried chicken in NYC. Enjoy a rustic atmosphere with a full bar while dining here, and entertain your party with large-screen televisions displaying plenty of sports programming.

They run specials on drumsticks on Tuesday evenings, making this a great spot to take the family and enjoy a tasty yet inexpensive birthday dinner in NYC. 

Best Fried Chicken in Manhattan

5. Turntable Chicken Jazz

Some of the best Korean fried chicken in Manhattan is found at Turntable Chicken Jazz, located in Koreatown, Manhattan. The establishment combines great food with a vibrant, music-infused atmosphere.

Specializing in Korean fried chicken in NYC, the restaurant offers an array of flavors such as spicy soy, garlic soy and honey butter. The crispy chicken is served alongside an eclectic mix of Korean and American dishes. It also makes an incredible fired chicken burger.

Turntable Chicken Jazz is popular for its delicious food and lively ambiance, making it an excellent girls' night idea.

6. The Jin 

Established in 2019, The Jin is a hip and trendy spot to visit for Korean fried chicken in Manhattan and other Korean food favorites. You can find them in the popular Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood on 10th Avenue.

The establishment is small and cozy, with wood paneling, simple indoor seating and some outdoor seating. Guests seldom are met with a wait when visiting here. 

7. Chicken Insider

If you are searching for new Korean fried chicken in NYC, check out Chicken Insider. American and Korean flavors collide to create a unique culinary adventure for your tastebuds at this establishment.

Its spicy sauce, which is savory and mildly sweet, blends perfectly with the crisp exterior of the lightly battered chicken drumsticks. The service is friendly, and the convenient neighborhood location cannot be beaten for dining in our take-out. 

8. Soju Haus

Soju Haus is an ideal Manhattan destination for gathering with several friends to enjoy authentic and new Korean fried chicken in NYC. There are other Korean classics like Korean pancakes (pajeon) and Korean-style ramen (ramyeon). It also serves up unique drinks soju cocktails and highballs.

While maintaining a casual and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant boasts a chic and modern design, creating a stylish yet comfortable dining experience. The dishes at Soju Haus are designed for sharing, with large portions that allow everyone to sample and enjoy a variety of flavors.

It is the perfect spot for a lively and communal dining experience, birthday celebration, bachelor party ideas or other fun gathering events.

Other Best Korean Fried Chicken in NYC

9. K-Top Chicken 

K-Top Chicken is a standout among restaurants serving Korean fried chicken in NYC. As any good KFC, its chicken is double-fried to achieve an unparalleled crunch. The real secret lies in its special marinade and batter that infuses each bite with rich, savory flavors.

K-Top Chicken offers a variety of sauces, including classic soy garlic and spicy options. The high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation make K-Top Chicken one of the best places to enjoy authentic Korean fried chicken in NYC whether you are out on a date night in NYC or dining with family and friends. 

10. Kjun 

Kjun (pronounced like Cajun), a New York City fusion restaurant, offers a unique twist on traditional Korean fried chicken in NYC by incorporating elements of Cajun cuisine. This innovative approach results in a distinctive and flavorful experience, with chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

It's the culmination of Chef Jae Jung's story from her childhood in Seoul to her cooking years in New Orleans. The blend of Korean spices and Cajun seasonings creates a harmonious balance of heat and flavor.

The creativity and quality at Kjun set it apart as one of the top spots for Korean fried chicken in NYC.

11. Kuku Korean Cuisine 

Kuku Korean Cuisine is renowned for its exceptionally crispy Korean fried chicken in NYC. The chicken at Kuku is marinated in a blend of traditional Korean spices and sauces and then fried to perfection, resulting in a deliciously crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful meat.

There are plenty of sauce options, including sweet and spicy yangnyeom and savory soy garlic. The commitment to authentic flavors and top-notch quality makes Kuku Korean Cuisine a favorite destination for fans of Korean fried chicken in NYC.

Korean Fried Chicken in NYC FAQs

What is the Number 1 Korean Fried Chicken in NYC?

Determining which establishment holds this spot is subjective. Personal taste preferences and dietary needs or restrictions come into play.

So, what's the number 1 Korean fried chicken in NYC? Include a visit to Pelicana Chicken, as locals and tourists frequently list it as a favorite. Renowned for its crispy, double-fried chicken, Pelicana offers several popular flavors, from the classic soy garlic to the fiery hot and spicy. Its meticulous preparation process ensures consistently high-quality, flavorful Korean fried chicken in NYC that has garnered a loyal following. 

If you are searching for unique experience gifts in NYC, visit several Korean fried chicken restaurants and decide which is number 1 for yourself! 

What is the Number 1 Korean Fried Chicken in Korea?

Now that you know what the best it locally, how about the number 1 Korean fried chicken in Korea itself? Kyochon Chicken, famous for its soy garlic flavor, contributed significantly to Korean fried chicken's global popularity.

Another notable mention includes NeNe Chicken, known for its innovative packaging and diverse flavor options. Goobne Chicken, Puradak and Oppadak are recognized for their healthier oven-roasted options.

Does KFC Stand for Korean Fried Chicken?

We often associate KFC with the well-known Kentucky Fried Chicken chain of restaurants in America. However, KFC is also an acronym for Korean Fried Chicken, Korea’s Western counterpart that uses a unique double-frying method and provides plenty of savory spice and flavor.

If you hear someone say KFC, it's best not to automatically assume they are talking about the Colonel. They may be talking about their favorite Korean menu item instead. 

Is BBQ Chicken Popular in Korea?

In Korea, bb.q Chicken is a popular fried chicken brand that stands for "best of the best quality" and started in 1995. It has become synonymous with fried chicken in Korea. It could also refer to the barbecue sauce that comes smothered on some chicken. Both are extremely popular in Korea.

Westerners may think that BBQ chicken refers to Western-style barbecue chicken. There is barbecue chicken in Korea, but it is not called BBQ chicken. Koreans call this style Dak Bulgogi which features chicken alongside beef and pork, allowing diners to cook their meat on tabletop grills.

These grills are often communal, and portions of each meat are generous enough for sharing. Additionally, some well-known chain restaurants specializing in Korean fried chicken in NYC that include various barbecue-style sauces demonstrate the integration of barbecue flavors into Korean cuisine.

Is there Halal Korean Fried Chicken in NYC?

According to WebMD, Halal denotes that the food and its ingredients are permissible according to Islamic dietary laws and teachings. Guidelines include how animals should be raised, slaughtered and processed.

You can find Korean fried chicken in NYC halal style in several places. Establishments like Pelicana Chicken and Bonchon have been known to offer Korean fried chicken in NYC halal options at several locations.

Korean fried chicken in NYC is popular for many reasons. It differs from traditional fried chicken due to the unique flavor profiles of the dishes and the heightened crispness that the double frying method provides. It is ideal as an appetizer, a meal for one or a communal dish, making it a great choice for many occasions and a perfect party food. 

If you want to try this style of chicken, plenty of fantastic establishments serve Korean fried chicken in NYC. You will find this dish in every borough across the city and plenty of outlying neighborhoods as well.

Review this list as your starting point. Select an establishment and find a fun new place to tempt your tastebuds with this outstanding international dish. 

For even more fun food experience gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!