Korean Fried Chicken Near Me
The first bite of Korean fried chicken is loud. The crust shatters like thin glass, then gives way to juicy meat underneath. A sticky glaze of soy, garlic, or sweet chili coats every ridge. It’s crunchier than Southern fried chicken, lighter than wings drenched in buffalo sauce, and dangerously easy to keep eating.
Korean fried chicken has gone from a niche treat to a mainstream craving across the US. Big Korean chains now have hundreds of locations, and new spots open every month. If you’re searching for Korean fried chicken near me, this guide breaks down the top chains, the most popular flavors, what to order on the side, and how to find a great spot in your area.
What Makes Korean Fried Chicken Different?
Korean fried chicken, often shortened to KFC in Korea, has a few signature traits:
- Double frying. Chicken is fried once, rested, then fried again. This drives out moisture and creates a super crisp, thin crust.
- Light batter. Many spots use a thin coating of potato starch or flour instead of a thick breading.
- Glazes instead of heavy sauces. Sauces are brushed or tossed on so the crust stays crunchy.
- Bold flavors. Soy garlic, sweet and spicy gochujang, honey butter, and green onion toppings are all common.
In South Korea, fried chicken is often eaten with beer, a pairing called chimaek (from “chikin” and “maekju,” the word for beer).
Popular Korean Fried Chicken Flavors
| Flavor | Taste | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Original or “fried” | Plain, crispy, lightly seasoned | None |
| Soy garlic | Savory, salty, a little sweet | None to mild |
| Yangnyeom | Sweet, sticky, spicy gochujang glaze | Medium |
| Spicy or hot | Red pepper heat, often with garlic | Hot |
| Honey butter | Sweet, rich, buttery | None |
| Snow cheese | Sweet cheese powder on crispy chicken | None |
| Green onion (pa dak) | Fried chicken topped with fresh scallions and sauce | Mild |
| Half and half | Two flavors in one order | Varies |
Not sure what to get? Ordering “half and half” lets you try two sauces in one basket.
Korean Fried Chicken Near Me: Top Chains in the US
Several Korean chicken chains now have locations across the country, so your Korean fried chicken near me search will likely turn up at least one of these names. Here are the names you’re most likely to find.
1. Bonchon
Bonchon started in Busan, South Korea, in 2002 and has grown into one of the biggest Korean fried chicken chains in the US, with well over 100 locations in more than 20 states. Its chicken is double-fried and hand-brushed with sauce. Soy garlic and spicy are the classics, and many fans get half of each.
2. bb.q Chicken
Founded in Seoul in 1995, bb.q Chicken has thousands of restaurants worldwide and a fast-growing US presence. Try the Secret Sauce, a sweet and spicy glaze, or the Gangnam Style, a sweet and savory sauce. The Cheesling, coated in a cheese powder, is a fan favorite.
3. Pelicana Chicken
Pelicana dates back to 1982 in Daejeon, South Korea, making it one of the oldest Korean chicken brands. Its US locations serve extra-crispy bone-in chicken, soy garlic wings, and spicy boneless chicken.
4. Kyochon Chicken
Kyochon is known for its honey and soy garlic glazes, plus a spicy red pepper sauce. Its chicken tends to be thinner and crispier, with sauce brushed on piece by piece.
5. bhc Chicken
bhc is one of South Korea’s biggest chicken brands. It entered the US in 2023 with a flagship in Los Angeles and has since expanded to San Diego, San Francisco, H Mart food courts, and Northern Virginia. The Bburinkle, coated in a sweet and savory seasoning powder, is its signature.
6. CM Chicken
CM Chicken, or ChoongMan Chicken, has more than 50 US locations. It’s known for Snow Chicken with a creamy cheese topping and charcoal-grilled chicken.
7. Noori Chicken
Noori started in Annandale, Virginia, in 2003, making it a US-born Korean chicken brand. It has spread to several states and is known for soy garlic wings and dry-rubbed “magic sprinkle” wings.
Quick Comparison Table
| Chain | Founded | Signature Item | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonchon | Busan, 2002 | Soy garlic and spicy wings | Widest US reach |
| bb.q Chicken | Seoul, 1995 | Secret Sauce, Cheesling | Flavor variety |
| Pelicana | Daejeon, 1982 | Extra-crispy bone-in | Classic crunch |
| Kyochon | South Korea | Honey and soy garlic | Thin, glossy crust |
| bhc Chicken | South Korea, 1997 | Bburinkle seasoning | Trying something new |
| CM Chicken | South Korea, 2009 | Snow Chicken | Cheesy toppings |
| Noori Chicken | Annandale, VA, 2003 | Magic sprinkle wings | Dry-rub fans |
Local Spots Are Worth a Look Too
Chains are reliable, but if you want the most memorable Korean fried chicken near me, independent Korean restaurants often serve the most memorable chicken. Many Korean pubs, called hofs or pochas, make their own sauces and serve chicken with draft beer and soju. Koreatowns in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, and Korean communities in Northern Virginia, New Jersey, and Dallas, are packed with them.
How to Find Korean Fried Chicken Near Me
Use these tips to find a good spot for Korean fried chicken near me, whether it’s a chain or a local favorite:
- Search specific terms. Try “Korean fried chicken,” “yangnyeom chicken,” and “chimaek” on Google Maps or Yelp.
- Check H Mart food courts. Many Korean grocery stores host chicken counters.
- Look at Korean pubs. Hofs and pochas often make some of the best chicken in town.
- Read recent photos. A thin, crackly crust and glossy sauce are good signs.
- Plan for wait times. Double frying takes longer. Many spots need 20 to 30 minutes per order, so call ahead.
- Order delivery smart. Ask for sauce on the side to keep the crust crisp.
What to Order on the Side
Korean fried chicken comes with its own set of classic sides, and a good Korean fried chicken near me spot will offer most of them. Pickled radish is the one side you should never skip, since it resets your palate between bites of rich, sticky chicken. Here are the classics:
- Chicken mu: Cubes of pickled white radish. They cut through the richness and refresh your palate.
- Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes in a spicy red sauce.
- Corn cheese: Sweet corn baked with melted cheese.
- Japchae: Glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables.
- Kimchi fries or cheese fries
- Coleslaw, often with a light, sweet dressing
- Beer or soju for the full chimaek experience
Tips for Ordering Like a Pro
- Try wings and drums. They have the best crust-to-meat ratio.
- Get half and half. Two flavors keep things interesting.
- Ask about heat levels. “Spicy” can mean very spicy at some places.
- Eat it fresh. The crust is at its best within the first 15 minutes.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer. Never the microwave, which makes the coating soggy.
Exploring More Comfort Food
Craving something warm and soothing on a cold night? A bowl of chicken soup is the classic cure. Our guide to Chicken Noodle Soup Near Me can point you to a good one.
If you love bold Asian flavors, there’s a lot more to explore beyond Korea. Thai cooking brings sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors together in every dish. Check out our guide to the Best Thai Food Near Me for restaurants worth a visit across the country.
Final Thoughts
Your search for Korean fried chicken near me has never had more answers. Bonchon, bb.q, Pelicana, Kyochon, bhc, CM Chicken, and Noori bring the double-fried crunch to cities across the US, and local Korean pubs add their own house sauces and sides. Order half and half, grab the pickled radish, and eat it while it’s hot. Once you’ve had real Korean fried chicken, it’s hard to go back.
Key Takeaways
- Korean fried chicken is double-fried with a thin batter, which creates a crisp, crackly crust that holds up under sauce.
- Popular flavors include soy garlic, sweet and spicy yangnyeom, honey butter, snow cheese, and green onion. Order half and half to try two.
- Bonchon, founded in Busan in 2002, is one of the largest chains in the US, with well over 100 locations.
- bb.q Chicken, Pelicana, Kyochon, bhc, CM Chicken, and Noori Chicken are other major names. bhc entered the US in 2023.
- Independent Korean pubs and H Mart food courts often serve standout chicken with house-made sauces.
- Classic sides include pickled radish, tteokbokki, corn cheese, japchae, and beer for chimaek.
- Expect 20 to 30 minute waits for fresh orders, ask for sauce on the side for delivery, and reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer.
