Learn Hardcore Korean: jeoneun chikineul johahaeyo.

는 after 저 marks the topic: “as for me…”.
을 after 치킨 marks the direct object of the verb 좋아하다 (“to like”). Korean uses particles instead of word order to show each word’s role.

Why is it 저는 and not 제가?

저는 sets “me” as the topic in a neutral, non-contrasty way: “As for me, I like chicken.” 제가 uses the subject marker 가 and is used when you’re emphasizing or contrasting the subject (“I’m the one who likes chicken,” as opposed to someone else). Both are grammatically fine; nuance determines which sounds more natural in context.

Why 을 after 치킨 and not 를?

을/를 is one particle with two “shapes.” Use 을 after a noun ending in a consonant (치킨 ends in ㄴ), and 를 after a noun ending in a vowel (피자 → 피자를).

Why 좋아해요 and not 좋아요?

좋아하다 is the verb “to like” and takes an object with 을/를. 좋다 is an adjective “to be good,” which typically pairs with the subject marker 이/가. So:

저는 치킨을 좋아해요 = I like chicken.
치킨이 좋아요 = Chicken is good / I like chicken (natural in Korean, but the grammar is different; it treats “chicken” as the subject).

Can I drop the particles in casual speech?

Often, yes. You’ll hear 치킨 좋아해요 or even 좋아해요 when context is clear. Dropping particles is common in conversation, but keep them in mind for clarity and in writing or formal speech.