- Cuisine Korean
- Course Main
- Prep 40 min
- Cook 25 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs organic chicken thighs, skin removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup organic coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
- 1/4 cup organic cornstarch
- 3 cups avocado oil (for frying)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned.
- Enameled Dutch oven — For braises, roasts, and one-pot mains.
- Instant-read thermometer — The only reliable way to nail doneness without guessing.
Instructions
- Whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and toasted sesame oil in a large bowl. Pour half of this mixture into a small saucepan and reserve it for the glaze.
- Add the chicken pieces to the remaining half (the marinade), ensuring each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix the arrowroot starch, cornstarch, and sea salt.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, shake off excess liquid, and coat in the starch mixture thoroughly on all sides. Discard the used marinade.
- Heat avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to approximately 350°F.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until the coating is matte and lightly golden. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
- Increase the heat slightly (to around 375°F) and fry the chicken again for 2 minutes until deeply crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Simmer the reserved glaze for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then brush or toss the fried chicken with it — Bonchon's signature soy-garlic glaze.
- Serve immediately with sliced cucumbers or pickled radishes.
FAQ
Why use arrowroot starch instead of all-purpose flour?
Arrowroot starch provides a healthier alternative as it does not contain gluten and is lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat-based all-purpose flour.
Can I substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are a great non-soy, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. If you choose soy sauce, ensure it is naturally brewed and free from additives and MSG.
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