Best Korean Fried Chicken Chains (Ranked) - 베스트 한국 치킨 브랜드 순위

introduction

Korean fried chicken is world-famous for its crispy texture, bold flavors, and addictive sauces. Whether you're visiting Korea for the first time or exploring new chains, this guide ranks the best Korean fried chicken brands based on taste, variety, crispiness, popularity, and local reputation.

한국 치킨은 바삭한 식감, 다양한 양념, 그리고 ‘치맥’ 문화까지 세계적으로 사랑받고 있습니다. 한국을 처음 방문하는 여행자라면 어떤 브랜드를 선택해야 할지 고민될 수 있습니다. 아래 순위는 맛, 바삭함, 메뉴 다양성, 로컬 인기, 재구매율을 기준으로 선정한 한국 최고의 치킨 체인입니다.

If you want the full Korean chicken experience, start with this list!


1. BBQ (Golden Olive Chicken) – Best Overall

BBQ’s Golden Olive Chicken is considered one of the top Korean fried chicken recipes.

Why it’s popular:

  • Extra crispy skin
  • Light and clean taste
  • High-quality frying oil
  • Rich menu variety

Must-try:

  • Golden Olive Chicken
  • Secret Spicy Wings
  • Cheese Garlic Chicken

반반 치킨 사진


2. BHC – Best for Sauce Lovers

BHC is famous for its bold, flavorful sauces.

Why locals love it:

  • Strong flavors
  • Excellent with beer (치맥 combo)
  • Huge portion sizes

Best menu items:

  • Bburinkle Chicken (cheese + onion flavor)
  • Hot Bburinkle
  • Macho King (spicy soy)


3. Kyochon Chicken – Best for Quality

Kyochon is known for premium ingredients, thin batter, and a clean taste.

Why it stands out:

  • Thin, crispy skin
  • Signature soy garlic flavor
  • High repeat-customer rate

Must-try:

  • Kyochon Original (Soy Garlic)
  • Red Series (spicy)
  • Honey Combo


4. Nene Chicken – Best for Crunch

Nene shines with an extra-thick, crunchy texture.

Special features:

  • Very crispy
  • Many creative sauces
  • Good value

Top picks:

  • Crispy Original
  • Snowing Cheese Chicken
  • Bulgogi Sauce Chicken


5. Goobne Chicken – Best Oven-Roasted Option

Goobne is Korea’s favorite non-fried chicken brand.

Why Koreans love it:

  • Less oily
  • Very flavorful
  • Perfect with beer or rice

Recommended:

  • Volcano Oven Chicken (spicy)
  • Original Oven-Roasted
  • Garlic Herb Chicken

오븐에 구운 치킨


Tips for Ordering Korean Fried Chicken

  • Korean servings are big 1 chicken is for 2 people
  • Delivery is common and very fast
  • Many stores stay open until 2–4 AM
  • “Half & half” menus allow 2 flavors in one order

Useful phrase:

“Half half chicken, please.”

→ “반반치킨 주세요.”


Conclusion

Korean fried chicken isn’t just food — it’s part of Korean culture. Each chain has its own flavor profile, texture, and signature style. Whether you prefer crispy, saucy, or oven-roasted, this ranking will help you choose the best chicken for your taste.

한국 치킨은 브랜드마다 개성이 뚜렷합니다. 바삭함, 양념 맛, 오븐구이 등 취향에 맞게 선택해 한국 치킨 문화를 제대로 즐겨보세요!

Enjoy your ultimate Korean fried chicken journey!