The rise of Korean fried chicken has many people baffled, but it is for good reason. Korean fried chicken is known for its juicy, tender meat that’s marinated in a savoury mixture and then coated in panko breadcrumbs to achieve an ultra crisp exterior. The result? Juicy meat that’s so tender you can cut it with a fork—and that's what we're seeing more and more of these days! Here’s everything you need to know about the sudden explosion of k-chicken all over North America and especially in Canada.
What is Korean Fried Chicken?
Korean fried chicken is a type of chicken that’s marinated
in a savoury mixture then coated in panko breadcrumbs to achieve an ultra crisp
exterior. Korean fried chicken can be found in Korean restaurants and grocery
stores, but it is also an incredibly popular dish eaten at home in Korea. The
Korean fried chicken trend has interested a lot of people around the world, but
there are a few things people need to know before trying it out themselves.
Korean fried chicken is different from other types of fried
chicken. For example, it is not breaded, so you don’t have the typical bread
crumb topping. It is also a little spicier than other types of fried chicken.
In Korea, you’ll also find different types of Korean fried chicken that are
often prepared for specific events and occasions. For example, you might see
Korean fried chicken with a decorative coating made of sesame seeds, peanuts or
shredded seaweed. These special fried chicken varieties are often eaten on
special occasions or during Korean holidays.
Moreover, the Korean
fried chicken also has variation in many dishes such as galbi jjim, gimbap, or yangnyeom. Galbi jjim is a very
generic term used to describe Korean fried chicken. You’ll also hear it
referred to as “SSSG,” or “saroot samgyeopsal”—which is a type of Korean
barbecue.
So, you can say the basic of the Korean fried chicken is the same, but it is
further flavored with many Korean sauces that have been in these cuisine
throughout the generation.

The Evolution of Korean Fried Chicken
Like many Korean dishes, Korean fried chicken is a legacy of
the Joseon Dynasty, which was in place from 1392 to 1910. During this time,
food was used as a way to communicate with various feudal societies and
cultures. For example, the ingredients in doenjang jjigae, a Korean soup, came
from China. When the Joseon Dynasty ended in 1910, the Joseon people adopted
many Chinese cultural practices. This included the cooking style of Chinese
dishes that are typically soy-based and served with rice. One of the most
popular Korean dishes today, k-chicken, is actually the dish’s original name
from the Joseon era.
There are many different ways to make k-chicken, but the most popular method is to marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar before cooking it in a hot oil using a “galbi jjim” sauce. The chicken is then soaked in a sweet and savoury sauce, resulting in a juicy and delicately sweet flavor. Galbi jjim can be consumed as an appetizer or a side dish, and it is especially popular for breakfast as a “galbi jjim bokkeum”.
Why Is Korean Fried Chicken So Popular Now?
In recent years, Korean food has become more mainstream in
North America and Canada. First,
the Korean pop music industry started to gain popularity. Then, a few Korean
celebrities started to become famous in the US and Canada. These people have
featured in TV shows, hosted YouTube videos and even appeared on American talk
shows.
Thus, they’ve
promoted Korean culture and foods, which has increased the popularity of Korean
cuisine. Another reason why people are eating Korean fried chicken so much now
is because of a positive change in health, flavor and taste. The new
Korean-style fried chicken is lower in fat and calories but has a lot more
flavor than the original fried chicken that was popular a few decades ago. The
Korean-style fried chicken is also healthier because it is marinated in a
savoury mixture that’s full of vitamins and minerals.
Korean fried chicken is
also popularized by the Korean-Canadian
adoptees. These are people who were born in South Korea but were adopted by
Canadian parents who moved to Canada. Many of them have fond memories of a
Korean restaurant they visited when they were younger. They’ve imported this
favorite dish to Canada and now it is becoming a trend among k-chicken fans!
Another reason why Korean fried chicken is so popular among adoptees is that it
is nostalgic. You can think of it as a form of Korean comfort food. It also has
a lot of flavor and goes well with all types of soups, stews or rice dishes.
Looking for the authentic Korean fried chicken? Try “Chicken Heaven”
Since the Korean fried
chicken is one of the most popularized items in Canada, it is important to know
the best spot to try it. Here at “CHICKEN HEAVEN”, the authenticity meets the North
American palate. We love the amazing variety they have that welcome literally
everyone to taste their best Korean fried chicken.
The process of making Korean fried chicken is rather intriguing and
mouthwatering. Like we have already mentioned it is unlike the traditional
fried chicken, the process of making this chicken involves many spices and
different coating. The chicken is freshly delivered to the restaurant every
day, then it carefully deboned and cut into bite-sized pieces. After then
dressed in spices and batter, the little plump of moist and juicy chicken with
ultra-crispy coating and the sauce will make you dance in great harmony.
Another thing that we love is how their menu is crafted, from mild to
spicy variations of the K-chicken, you can get to choose your favorite ones.
Many people may say that spiciness hides the true flavors of the dish but not
with this K-chicken in Calgary. You will be hit by the numbing spice with the
bursting flavors of the chicken, the coating, and the sauce. Talking about the
sauces, “CHICKEN HEAVEN” offers following sauces for you to try:
·
Krispy
·
Yangnyum
·
Galbi
·
Honey Garlic
·
Jalapeno Mayo
·
Flamin’
·
K-Retro (Flourless)
·
Maple Cheese Retro
·
Chicken Poutine
·
Chicken Heaven special that in includes the best seller four flavored
k-chicken
So, what are you waiting for, dine-in, take away or get these delicious
morsels of chicken delivered to your doorstep by uber eats, skip the dish or
door dash!
Bottom line
Korean fried
chicken Calgary has been a popular Asian food for
years, but it is only recently started growing in popularity in North America.
The rise of Korean-inspired restaurants, along with the prevalence of social
media, has helped make Korean fried chicken one of the most popular types of
Asian food in Canada. No just that, the taste and texture it brings to the table makes a
quite expression on the eaters.
If you haven’t tried it while staying in Calgary, then try Calgary Fried Chicken
at “CHICKEN HEAVEN”. From the crispy simple K-chicken to the different version
with the delicious sauce, it is a must to try in Canada.
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