Categories > Guides and Tips
Chasing the K-Crunch at the Best Korean Fried Chicken Spots in Portland
Although fried chicken in Portland was already superb, the entry of Korean fried chicken made it even better.
It’s about the shatteringly crispy skin, bold sauces that push the limits of flavor, and that addictive crunch that stays perfect even after a good dunk in sauce. From sticky-sweet glazes to fiery heat, these spots know how to deliver.
This guide dives into Portland’s best Korean fried chicken—perfect for anyone ready to level up their chicken cravings.
1. Doyaji
Media credits: doyajipdx
Website: https://www.doyajipdx.com/
Address: 3612 SE 82nd Ave
Contact: doyaji.square.site
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Doyaji is a local favorite for Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) that’s been turning heads. The chicken here is seriously crispy and packed with flavor, but what makes them stick out are the two killer options: Plum Garlic KFC and Gochujang Hot Honey KFC.
The Plum Garlic KFC is a perfect balance of tangy plum sauce and garlic. It gives you a sweet and savory combo that brings out the juiciness of the chicken.
On the spicier side, the Gochujang Hot Honey KFC blends the heat of Korean chili paste with the sweetness of honey. It hits all the right notes for anyone who loves that spicy-sweet kick.
Of course, the chicken isn’t alone. They serve extras like crispy mandu (Korean dumplings) and fresh pickled veggies while cutting through the chicken’s richness for a nice balance.
Pro tip: Pair your KFC with traditional Korean beverages such as barley tea or a refreshing soju cocktail! Doyaji has a pretty impressive selection that you might love.
2. FRYBABY
Media credits: frybaby.pdx
Address: 1015 SE Stark St
Contact: (971) 258-0566
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday- Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
Frybaby is a spot that combines the bold flavors of Korean fried chicken with a creative twist. It’s a place where Korean and American culinary traditions meet in flavorful harmony.
The standout dish is the crispy Korean fried chicken wings, often topped with snow cheese—a powdered cheese blend that adds a savory punch. Their buffalo chicken sandwich offers a spicy, Korean-inspired take on a classic, balancing heat with hearty flavor.
Sides like kimchi mac ’n cheese and bo ssam collard greens add a unique spin. They combine tangy, creamy, and Southern-inspired flavors that make the meal feel like more than just fried chicken.
Pro tip: Frybaby serves up generous portions, so it’s a great spot to order a bunch of dishes and share them with friends or family.
3. Chimcking
Media credits: chimckingpdx
Website: https://www.chimckingusa.com/
Address: 4118 NE Sandy Blvd
Contact: (503) 384-2536
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Chimcking is a spot worth checking out if you’re into Korean fried chicken. Known for its crispy skin and bold flavors, this place delivers on the essentials.
Their most notable KFC are soy garlic wings—savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. There’s also the Boneless Hot King Wings, a mess-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
To round out the feast, they’ve got compliments that hit just right. Pickled radish and classic french fries bring some crunch and freshness. Meanwhile, the cheese tteokbokki with stir-fried rice cakes and melty cheese adds a comforting, indulgent twist.
Pro tip: For a real-deal Korean “Chimaek” vibe, grab a Korean beer like Cass or Hite to go with your fried chicken. They heighten the whole experience and are the ideal combination.
4. Twozone Chicken
Media credits: twozonechicken.pdx
Website: https://www.twozonechickennw1200.com/
Address: 1200 NW 18th Ave
Contact: (503) 384-2122
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $
Twozone Chicken is another must-check out in the city’s Korean fried chicken scene, serving jumbo wings packed with bold flavors.
The savory-sweet bulgogi sauce and the dry honey butter glaze both deliver the perfect crunch on the outside and juicy goodness inside—everything you’d expect from top-notch Korean fried chicken.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Their sides, like tangy pickled radishes or Korean-style coleslaw, bring just the right balance to the savory chicken. Pair it all with seasoned rice, and you’ve got a meal that hits every note.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their signature dipping sauces with the jumbo wings. Sauces like spicy gochujang or soy garlic take the flavors up a notch and add a fun twist to every bite.
5. FOMO Chicken
Media credits: fomochicken
Website: https://www.fomochicken.com/
Address: 113 SE 28th Ave
Contact: (503) 308-0258
Operating hours:
- Sunday – Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
FOMO Chicken brings crispy, flavor-packed Korean-style fried chicken to the table. Their specialty? Crispy, flavor-packed Korean-style fried chicken that’s hard to resist.
If you’re into bold flavors, the Spicy Korean KFC wings bring the heat with their addictive glaze. Not a spice lover? No worries—the half-spicy, half-sweet wings let you enjoy the best of both worlds in one order.
Pro tip: If you want to skip the long waits, try going earlier in the day or later in the evening.
6. Ko Sister Soul Food
Media credits: kosisterspdx
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kosisterspdx/?hl=en
Address: 1825 N Williams Ave #6
Contact: (503) 267-3918
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Ko Sister Soul Food is another place to be for Korean fried chicken. They’ve got two options that hit the mark: the Original KFC, with its crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender inside, and the Honey Garlic KFC drumsticks–perfectly glazed in honey garlic.
But do not forget to order their side dishes that take the meal to the next level. Think of the classic kimchi for a spicy kick and crunchy pickled radishes.
If you want some more carbs for filler, they their tteokbokki—chewy, satisfying rice cakes that balance out all the rich, savory goodness of the chicken.
Pro tip: Wrap up your meal with a delicious dessert, like sweet potato pie or whatever seasonal treat they’ve got. And don’t forget to pair it with a hot cup of coffee for the perfect finish.
7. Kim Jong Grillin’
Media credits: kimjonggrillin
Address: 770 W Burnside St
Contact: (503) 929-0522
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Price: $
Kim Jong Grillin’ is known for its twist on Korean Fried Chicken (KFC). This food truck mixes traditional Korean flavors with modern cooking techniques for a unique, flavor-packed experience.
One of the most popular dishes is the Spicy Chicken with Tteokbokki—crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy sauce paired with chewy rice cakes.
The meal is rounded out with classic sides like kimchi, pickled veggies, and glass noodles, creating a perfect balance of bold flavors.
Pro tip: While their KFC is a must-try, be sure to sample other popular items too! One popular menu is the Bulgogi Bibim Box, which combines marinated beef with vegetables and rice for a satisfying meal.
8. Sweet Home Chicken
Media credits: sweethomechicken
Website: https://sweethomechickenpdx.com/
Address: 4940 N Lombard St
Contact: (503) 477-9352
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $
Sweet Home Chicken is a gem in Portland’s Korean Fried Chicken scene. It offers bold and unique takes on the classic dish.
Their boneless sweet soy lemon features perfectly crispy chicken coated in a savory-sweet glaze with a zesty lemon kick, making each bite a refreshing surprise.
If you’re craving some heat, the sweet jalapeno fried chicken brings the boldness of jalapenos, satisfying those who love a little spice with their crunch.
The sides here aren’t just an afterthought either. The crispy Korean-style pickled radish offers a crunchy, tangy contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. Meanwhile, their seasoned fries and traditional Korean rice round out the meal.
Pro tip: Feel free to ask for extra sauce or mix and match a few—you can totally customize the flavor of your chicken at Sweet Home Chicken with their variety of sauces.
9. Jin Dak
Media credits: jindakpdx
Website: https://www.piknikparkpdx.com/jin-dak-pdx
Address: 1122 SE Tacoma St
Contact: (503) 729-6552
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $
If you’re into Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), Jin Dak is a spot to consider. Their Jin-Dak Boneless KFC features juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Another standout is the sweet garlic chili KFC, which balances sweetness and spice. It has a savory garlic flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
On top of that, they serve sides like seasoned pickled radishes and a selection of dipping sauces, rounding out the meal and adding some extra flavor to the experience.
Pro tip: Pair your KFC with a refreshing Korean beverage, such as a traditional Misugaru (mixed grain powder drink), to balance the savory and spicy flavors of the chicken.
10. The Bulgogi Dukuhbee
Media credits: the_bulgogi_dukuhbee_pdx
Website: https://www.thebulgogiportland.com/
Address: 4232 NE Sandy Blvd
Contact: (503) 327-8607
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
If you’re hunting for great Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), Bulgogi Dukuhbee is a must-try. They bring a unique twist to the classic dish with bold flavors and cooking techniques that capture the essence of Korean food.
One standout is their Seoul wings, which are available in spicy and sweet options. The spicy wings pack a serious punch with a fiery coating for heat lovers, while the sweet ones offer a deliciously caramelized glaze that hits the perfect note of sweetness.
Pro tip: While the Seoul wings are a highlight, consider exploring other menu items. We especially love their Korean fried rice and spicy tteokbokki.
11. Boke Bowl
Media credits: boke_bowl
Website: https://bokebowl.com/
Address: 1028 SE Water Ave
Contact: (503) 719-5089
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Price: $
Boke Bowl is a go-to spot if you’re craving something different with your fried chicken. They’re known for their quirky take on Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), packing vibrant flavors into every dish.
One standout is the KFC Steam Bun—crispy and juicy fried chicken wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun that hits all the right notes. Another favorite is the KFC Curry Bowl, where crispy chicken meets aromatic curry sauce over rice, making for a warm and comforting meal.
Pro tip: Try refreshing iced tea or go for something more traditional like sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) to take your meal to the next level.
12. The Soop
Media credits: thesoop_pdx
Website: https://www.thesoopportland.com/
Address: 1902 W Burnside St
Contact: (971) 710-1483
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $
The Soop is the place to hit if you’re craving some seriously good Korean Fried Chicken (KFC). Their KFC Sandwich is a star—crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a killer sauce that keeps people coming back for more.
If wings are your thing, don’t miss their sweet and spicy yangnyeom chicken—crispy, juicy, and with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
And the sides? They’ve got you covered with pickled radish to cut through the richness of the chicken and a refreshing cabbage salad for that extra crunch and tang. It’s comfort food with a flavorful twist.
Pro tip: If you like it extra saucy, just ask for some extra yangnyeom sauce on the side. You can adjust the sweetness and spice to your taste with every bite.
