The Best Korean Fried Chicken in Los Angeles: A Week of Eating and Ranking

My Quest for the Best KFC (Korean Fried Chicken)

I love fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is a different beast — double-fried for extra crunch, coated in sweet or spicy sauces, and often served with pickled radish. LA's Koreatown has some of the best in the world. So I spent a week visiting 8 different spots, eating way too much chicken, and ranking them. Here's the definitive list.

1. Kyochon Chicken — The Original Standard

Kyochon is a Korean chain that's been in LA for years, and it's still the best. I ordered their signature Honey Combo, which has both wings and drumsticks. The coating is thin, crispy, and perfectly sweet. The soy garlic flavor is addictive. The chicken is juicy inside — no dry meat. The service is fast, and the sides (like the spicy rice cakes) are great. It's a bit pricier than others ($18 for a combo), but worth it. This is the one I'd recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

2. Bonchon Chicken — The Close Second

Bonchon is another big chain, and it's almost as good as Kyochon. Their signature Soy Garlic sauce is excellent. The chicken is double-fried, so it's very crunchy. The difference is that Bonchon's sauce is thicker and stickier, which some people prefer. I found it a bit messy. The drumsticks were slightly smaller than Kyochon's. Still, it's a solid choice. If you're in a part of LA without Kyochon, Bonchon is a great backup.

3. Pelicana Chicken — The Underdog

Pelicana is less famous but deserves more love. They claim to be the original KFC chain in Korea. Their chicken is less greasy than the others, and the sauce options are unique — they have a creamy garlic sauce that's amazing. The pickled radish here is the best I had — crisp and tangy. The downside is the location: it's in a strip mall in Koreatown, and the interior is dated. But the chicken speaks for itself.

4. BBQ Chicken (The Name Is Confusing, I Know)

BBQ Chicken (yes, that's the brand name) is a popular chain in Korea, and their LA branch is good. Their 'Golden Original' is a classic. The chicken is crunchy and lightly seasoned. But the sauces are where they shine: the 'Hot Spicy' sauce is actually spicy, not just sweet. The cheese balls (a side dish) are addictive. It's a bit greasier than the top two, but still delicious.

5. Chicken Day — The Hipster Option

Chicken Day is a newer spot in Koreatown that feels more modern. They serve chicken in a bowl with toppings like corn and cheese, which is a trend in Korea right now. It's fun and shareable, but the chicken itself isn't as crunchy as the traditional spots. The sauces are creative: honey butter, garlic soy, and a spicy gochujang. It's worth trying for something different, but it's not the best classic KFC.

6. KFC (Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken) — Don't Laugh

I'm not joking. The KFC in Koreatown on Western Avenue has a special menu that includes Korean-style fried chicken. It's not as good as the dedicated Korean spots, but it's cheap ($12 for a bucket) and surprisingly tasty. The sauce is a bit too sweet, but it hits the spot for a late-night craving. It's not on the level of Kyochon, but it's better than you'd expect.

7. The Chicken Shack — Skip This One

I went to a place called 'The Chicken Shack' in K-town because of a TikTok recommendation. It was a mistake. The chicken was greasy, the coating was soggy, and the sauce was watery. The pickled radish was dry. I took two bites and left. Avoid it. I won't even link it.

Final Rankings

If you're in LA and want the best Korean fried chicken, go to Kyochon. If they're closed, Bonchon. For something unique, try Pelicana or Chicken Day. But honestly, you can't go wrong with the top three. And please, get the pickled radish — it's the perfect palate cleanser between bites. I'm full just writing this. Go eat some chicken.