Chikin

Chikin, or Korean fried chicken (KFC), is a popular dish in Korean cuisine that consists of battered and deep-fried chicken pieces. Fried chicken was introduced to South Korea by the American military during the Korean War in the 1950s. American soldiers brought the concept of fried chicken to the country, and it quickly gained popularity among Koreans. In the 1970s and 1980s, the fried chicken industry in South Korea expanded with the emergence of various fried chicken restaurant chains. These chains started experimenting with different flavors and sauces, moving beyond the original, stripped-down version of fried chicken. Finally, at the beginning of the 21st century, Korean fried chicken gained international popularity, mostly because of its unique preparation methods, distinct flavors, and crunchy texture. A few key characteristics differentiate Korean fried chicken from other types of fried chicken. One of the defining features of Korean fried chicken is the double frying technique. The chicken is first fried at a lower temperature to cook the meat thoroughly, then fried at a higher temperature to achieve a crispy and crunchy outer layer. Korean fried chicken is often served with various flavorful sauces and seasonings. Some popular sauce options include spicy gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), soy garlic, honey butter, sweet and tangy, and more. These sauces can be applied to the fried chicken either by tossing the chicken in the sauce or by drizzling the sauce over the chicken. Korean fried chicken is served with various side dishes, such as pickled radishes, coleslaw, and even refreshing slices of watermelon, and is often accompanied by beer (this combination is known as chimaek).