Korean fried chicken is no longer a novelty in the Des Moines metro — it’s a fully established part of the dining landscape. With Bonchon anchoring the scene, What Dak pushing flavor boundaries and local shops like Basic Bird and Chikin Lickin adding Korean‑style wings to their menus, the city now has a legitimate KFC circuit worth exploring.
KFC is a technique‑driven dish, and the metro’s best versions reward diners who know how to order. Go bone‑in for maximum crunch and juiciness. Pair with pickled radish — the essential palate reset. Ask for extra crispy if the kitchen allows it. Always choose half‑and‑half when sauces are involved.
Korean fried chicken’s distinctive flavor comes from the sauces. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for readers navigating the metro’s offerings:
• Soy garlic: glossy, sweet, garlicky and universally loved. When you don’t know what to order, go with soy garlic sauce.
• Spicy gochujang: fermented chili heat with depth and mild sweetness. This sauce will be a bit hot.
• Yangnyeom: sweet spicy red sauce; if you see it, order immediately.
• Honey butter: a cult favorite in Korea with sweet and savory combined.
Bonchon
This Korean fried chicken shop arrived with the swagger of a global brand and the precision of a Seoul street stall. The moment the basket hits the table, you understand the hype: a lacquered, glass‑crisp crust that cracks like hard candy, revealing juicy meat beneath. Bonchon’s signature double‑fry technique gives its wings and drumsticks a crunch unmatched anywhere else in the metro. The soy garlic glaze is glossy and addictive, while the spicy gochujang glaze delivers a slow, satisfying burn.
What Dak Korean Fried Chicken
The metro’s most expressive Korean fried chicken shop offers bold flavors, double-fried technique and sauces that lean fully into Korean heat. What Dak’s wings arrive ultra crisp, with a shell that stays crunchy even under heavy saucing. The soy garlic is clean and balanced, but the real draw is the spicy gochujang glaze, which hits with fermented depth and a lingering burn. Their menu often includes Korean street-food sides, giving diners a fuller K-food experience than most fast-casual spots.
Basic Bird
This neighborhood chicken shop from Joe and Alexandra Tripp blends American fast-casual comfort with Korean-leaning flavors. Basic Bird’s Korean-style wings show real respect for the form: thin, crisp batter, high-heat fry and sauces that nod to Korean profiles without losing the shop’s identity. Expect soy-forward glazes, chili-spiked heat and a crunch that holds up surprisingly well.
Chikin Lickin
This Korean counter-service spot leans into Korean-style crispiness. Chikin Lickin’s wings are lightly battered and fried hard, giving them the kind of crunch Korean fried chicken fans look for. Several sauces — especially the garlic soy and sweet heat profiles — land squarely in KFC territory, and customers can sample them before ordering. It’s a great entry point for diners who want Korean-style wings or tenders.
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to find Korean fried chicken in the Des Moines metro
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
