Craving that irresistible combination of crispy, saucy chicken but short on time? The unique flavour of Korean fried chicken has become a firm favourite across the UK. However, preparing it from scratch involves multiple steps, from battering and double-frying to mixing the perfect glaze. For busy professionals, students and families, this can feel like too much effort for a weeknight meal.
Fortunately, the freezer aisle now offers a convenient solution. This guide is designed to help you navigate the options for high-quality frozen Korean fried chicken. We will look at what makes a great ready-to-cook option and highlight a few standout products to help you enjoy this delicious dish at home with minimal fuss.
Finding the right frozen option comes down to a few key considerations. Keeping these points in mind will help you select a product that fits your schedule and taste preferences.
How you plan to cook the chicken is a major factor. Many products are optimised for different appliances. If speed is your priority, a microwavable Korean meal can be ready in just a few minutes. For those who prefer a crispier texture, an air fryer Korean chicken option is often ideal, providing a finish that closely mimics freshly fried chicken in around 10-15 minutes. Always check the packaging for the recommended cooking methods to ensure you get the intended result.
Korean fried chicken is famous for its distinctive sauces. The two most common varieties you will find are:
Consider who you are cooking for. Single-serving packs of around 250g are perfect for a quick solo meal, while larger packs of 340g or more are better suited for sharing or for those with a bigger appetite. It is also wise to check the ingredients list, especially for allergens like wheat and soy, which are common in the batters and sauces. Most options are Korean chicken bites, meaning they are boneless and easy to eat.
Based on flavour, convenience and overall quality, here are a few excellent options to consider for your next meal.
Why It Stands Out This product from Kuisine delivers the quintessential sweet and spicy Korean chicken experience with ultimate convenience. The chicken pieces are pre-coated in a gochujang-inspired glaze that strikes a pleasant balance between heat and sweetness. Its main advantage is the incredibly fast cooking time, making it a prime choice for a last-minute lunch or dinner.
Pros
Who is it for? This is perfect for students and busy professionals who need a flavourful meal in under five minutes. It is also a great entry point for anyone trying frozen Korean fried chicken for the first time.
Why It Stands Out Itsu's offering stands out due to its use of chicken thigh meat, which remains tender and juicy after cooking. The chicken is lightly battered and cooked from frozen, while the Korean-style chilli sauce comes in a separate sachet. This allows you to control the amount of sauce, whether you prefer a light drizzle or a full, even coating.
Pros
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for couples or small families who want a slightly more substantial meal. It also appeals to those who like to customise their food by controlling the sauce-to-chicken ratio.
Why It Stands Out For those who prefer savoury flavours without the heat, Kuisine's soy garlic chicken is an ideal alternative. It captures the deep, umami-rich taste of a classic ganjang sauce. Like its spicy counterpart, it is designed for maximum convenience and can be prepared in minutes, offering a different but equally authentic Korean flavour.
Pros
Who is it for? This is the go-to choice for anyone who does not enjoy spicy food but still wants to enjoy the satisfying taste of Korean fried chicken. It is also a family-friendly flavour that often appeals to children.
If our top recommendations do not quite match what you are looking for or you would simply like to browse a wider selection of convenient meal solutions, you can explore our full range.
Discover more ready-to-cook options in our Crispy Fried Chicken category.
1. How do I get frozen Korean chicken crispy? For the best texture, using an air fryer is highly recommended. Preheating the air fryer and arranging the chicken in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate evenly, creating a crispy exterior. If you do not have an air fryer, a conventional oven on a wire rack will also work well. While microwaving is fastest, it typically results in a softer texture.
2. What do you eat with Korean fried chicken? Korean fried chicken is versatile. It is traditionally served with pickled radish cubes (danmuji) to cleanse the palate. It also pairs perfectly with a simple bowl of steamed white rice. For a more complete meal, you can serve it alongside other Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi or a fresh green salad.
3. Can you microwave frozen Korean fried chicken? Yes, but only if the product is specifically designed for it. Products like the Kuisine options are formulated as a microwavable Korean meal and will heat through properly. Always check the cooking instructions on the package, as attempting to microwave a product intended for the oven or air fryer will likely result in a soggy texture.