bbq Chicken: Crispy, Saucy, and Spicy – A Love Affair with Korean Fried Chicken

If you’re a fan of Korean fried chicken, chances are you’ve already heard of this place – bbq Chicken. A Korean friend once jokingly called it the Korean version of KFC. Founded in South Korea in 1995, it’s now one of the largest chicken restaurant franchises worldwide. Interestingly, they have a “Chicken University” and a Research and Development (R&D) Center! These hubs are aimed at perfecting cooking methods, ensuring quality, and innovating new flavors and products.

Restaurant Profile

🏷️ Name of the Restaurant: bbq Chicken Schiller (incl. menu)
📍 Adress: Schillerstraße 4, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
🍜 Style: Korean Food – fried chicken, fried foods, soup, noodle dishes, salad, dumplings, rice cake etc.
💰 Price: around 20 – 30 EUR per Person (incl. drinks and tips)

Perhaps that’s why the bbq chicken is often praised for their diverse selections of flavors — whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, smoky, or a creative mix of flavors. With two locations in Frankfurt, our go-to spot is the one near Alte Oper, right in the city center. The restaurant has a laid-back setup, with simple two- and four-seater tables, yet that doesn’t stop crowds from pouring in for their irresistibly crispy, flavor-packed fried chicken.

A Korean fried chicken feast wouldn’t be complete without delicious side dishes.

On their menu, you can find a variety of add-ons, from classic fries and sweet potato fries to pickled radish, mandu (Korean dumplings), and even deep-fried oden. The most frequent orders seem to be sweet potato fries—crispy and slightly caramelized, as well as thedeep-fried oden (fish sticks), made from seasoned fish cakes.

If you like variety, the Mixed Platter is the way to go. Packed with golden-fried goodness, this platter includes crispy fries, Rösti sticks, thick-cut onion rings, mozzarella cheese sticks, and fried mandu.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks features light dusting of nori on top, adding a subtle umami to the rich, melty cheese inside. The first bite bursts with milky, salty, and buttery goodness—indulgent but definitely on the heavier side.

The Mandu (Korean Dumplings) has a crispy exterior and a soft, savory filling of cabbage, green onions, and glass noodles. Dipped in vinegar, they become very appetizing, as the tangy contrast to the rich fried foods.

Rösti Sticks or Swiss Rösti are made from grated potatoes fried to a golden crisp. The slightly creamy potato inside adds a hearty and mildly sweet touch to the platter.

The Onion Rings are thickly coated and deep-fried. The thick batter locks in the natural sweetness of the onion, making each bite juicy and fragrant.

If you’re looking for something lighter to balance out the rich, crispy fried chicken, bbq chicken also offers a selection of fresh salads. Our favorite is the Oriental Salad. Made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of lemon juice, the dressing is light and fragrant, coating the vegetables with a slightly sour, nutty, and sweet taste – refreshing and flavorful.

Oden Hot Pot is all about delicate yet deep umami flavors, featuring fish tofu and various veggies in a warm bowl of soup. The soup itself is light, clear, and filled with a fresh seafood aroma, enhanced by a sprinkle of spice powder on top. It’s not overly salty but rather smooth and comforting, making it an ideal balance to rich, fried dishes.

The pot includes tender fish balls and fish tofu, alongside leeks and onions that infuse the broth with a mild sweetness. The fish balls are bouncy, slightly chewy, and packed with savory umami, with a hint of sweetness, while the fish tofu is softer and almost creamy inside, with a mild seafood taste. The highlight is the airy, spongy tofu puffs, which soak up the broth beautifully, making each bite burst with warm, umami-rich goodness. Each ingredient comes in pairs for easy sharing.

Now, let’s dive into the fried chicken finally! At bbq Chicken, you can choose between boneless or bone-in chicken, though not all flavors come with both options. If you’re dining with someone, the combo option lets you mix two flavors at a slight discount of 1-2 EUR less than ordering separately.

The first flavor we’re highlighting is Gangnam Style. The chicken is marinated, sautéed over high heat with chopped garlic and scallions, and finished with a smoky, peppery sauce.

It’s slightly sweet, with a deep umami kick and just the right amount of heat, thanks to scattered chilies.

The thin, crispy exterior is coated in shimmering layer of sauce, creating an addictive mouthfeel of crunch and juiciness. It’s perfect for anyone who love a little heat with a rich, caramelized savoriness – a classic taste of Korean fried chicken.

Golden Fried Chicken is the purest way to experience authentic Korean fried chicken—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with a golden, crunchy crust that’s simply irresistible.

The crispy coating is light yet shatteringly crunchy, enveloping the chicken in a rich, savory taste. You can choose between the spicy or non-spicy version—the spicy one brings a mild heat, while the original stays classic with a flavorsome, well-seasoned crust.

With no extra sauce, you can really taste the freshness. Unlike fast-food chains where chicken is pre-fried, here it’s fried to order, ensuring a delicate, succulent meat flavor; especially the bone-in version, as the bones help retain moisture, making the meat even juicier with a deeper, more robust taste.

Jamaican BBQ Chicken is one of our favorites, offering a deep, spice-infused flavor that lingers on the palate. Unlike the ultra-crispy varieties, this one leans more on the saucy side, with a slightly softer coating that’s covered in a rich, aromatic Jamaican-style BBQ sauce.

The sauce itself is a blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, packed with warm Caribbean spices like allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, enriched by a hint of brown sugar for depth. A smoky foundation comes through with every bite, while the dusting of smoked red paprika powder on top adds a gentle kick and aroma.

The chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, and its mild natural taste pairs wonderfully with the deep, smoky BBQ flavors.

Black Pepper Chicken is my personal go-to when I crave for the golden fried classic flavor, yet with an extra peppery punch.

This variation comes boneless, yet stays incredibly juicy, thanks to the use of dark meat cuts – meat from the thigh and drumstick area that are naturally more tender, flavorful, and rich in moisture. The crust is ultra-crunchy, but light and non-greasy, blending beautifully with the natural savoriness of the chicken.

Each piece is packed with intense black pepper aroma, evenly and generously scattered all over. The pepper doesn’t just bring heat—it adds a complex, earthy, and slightly citrusy sharpness, with a warming depth that enhances the umami taste. Meanwhile, the oils in the pepper release an almost smoky aroma that keeps every bite exciting.

Hot Spicy Chicken is for the true heat seekers—bold, fiery, and intensely flavorful. It takes the classic golden-fried chicken and kicks it up a notch with a deep red, spice-packed sauce.

The first bite greets you with a fleeting sweetness, but don’t be fooled. Within seconds, the fiery heat builds up, spreading across the tongue and lingering long after each bite. The spice level is intense, similar to Korea’s infamous Buldak Ramyun (fire chicken noodles)—a type of heat that leaves a tingling burn that refuses to fade.

As well as the fire, the sauce is also layered with a subtle garlicky depth that complements the bold, smoky spice. The ultra-crispy crust soaks up just enough sauce to still stay crunchy. If you’re a fan of Buldak Ramyun and love that exhilarating, sweat-inducing spice rush, this is for you.

So far, we’ve highlighted the spicy options, but for those who prefer to skip the spice, we’d like to recommend the following two.

First up, if you’re in the mood for something playful, you can give Lemon Cheesling Fried Wings a try. This creative dish combines the Classic Fried Wings with zesty, sweet lemon sauce and savory cheese powder.

The first bite hits with a light, nutty cheesiness—rich, savory and umami. Just as the cheese powder starts to feel dry, the sweet, citrusy lemon sauce kicks in—sweet, lightly tangy and refreshing. The crust remains ultra-crispy, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. Overall, it delivers a well-rounded taste and a fresh take on classic fried chicken.

Galbi, marinated in a traditional savory Korean BBQ sauce, is a dish that brings together smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

The sauce is a blend of sweetness and umami, with deep, smoky, caramelized notes that coat the chicken tenderly. It’s not spicy, but has a subtle peppery kick.

The chicken itself is incredibly juicy and succulent, soaked in the rich sauce and topped with fresh green onions. The exterior isn’t very crispy, as the glaze keeps it soft and moist, giving it a melt-in-the-mouth texture that’s both comforting and delicious.

Korean fried chicken, known as “chikin” in Korea, has a rich history that traces back to the 1950s during the Korean War. It was American soldiers stationed in Korea who introduced the fried chicken to the local population, and it quickly won over the hearts of the people. By the 1970s, the first fried chicken restaurant was born in Korea. Today, the love for Korean fried chicken has spread far and wide. With countless fried chicken chains continuously popping up, bbq Chicken is one of the big brands that has dominated the market.

Early Korean fried chicken was heavily influenced by American recipes, but over time, it has incorporated distinct Korean flavors. Whether you’re after a rich, smoky glaze, a fiery kick, or the classic crispy crunch, bbq Chicken has some of the best versions.

The restaurant is often packed, with people driving from far and wide to enjoy their fried chicken. On weekends, it’s not uncommon to wait in line for a seat, as they don’t take reservations on Saturdays—first come, first served.

So, with all that said, if you haven’t yet experienced the frenzy of Korean fried chicken, now’s the time.

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