Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a flavorful dish that melds Korean ingredients into a comforting stew ideal for any season. Inspired by Korean cuisine’s signature spicy and savory notes, this dish has become a go-to for busy days when you want something hearty with minimal prep. Korean-inspired recipes like this bring together families and friends, offering both warmth and the joy of sharing a meal steeped in rich flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort: Let the slow cooker do the work for you. Toss in your ingredients, let them simmer, and return to a delicious meal.
- Balanced Flavors: The gochujang brings a deep, spicy tanginess that balances perfectly with sweet and savory notes from sesame oil and brown sugar.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference by tweaking the gochujang and optional garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These provide a rich, juicy flavor ideal for slow cooking.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a tender texture.
- Mushrooms: These lend a savory depth to enhance the umami profile.
- Onion: Provides a robust base flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
- Gochujang: The star ingredient, a Korean chili paste that brings heat, sweetness, and complexity.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the spice with subtle sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami richness.
- Chicken Stock: Acts as the broth to bring it all together.
- Cornstarch (optional): For thickening.
- Spring Onions: For a fresh garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop your vegetables and chicken for easy assembly.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add chicken, carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water, add to the stew, and cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
- Season and Serve: Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Gochujang: For the best flavor, go with authentic gochujang paste rather than bottled sauces.
- Vegetable Additions: Add veggies like zucchini or cabbage if desired. Add them during the last hour to keep them crisp.
- Salt Check: Taste before adding salt since the soy sauce and gochujang provide plenty of seasoning.
Helpful Tips
- Customize the Heat: Increase gochujang for extra spice, or add a sprinkle of Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru) for a bolder flavor.
- Oven-Friendly Option: Bake covered in an oven-safe pot at 350°F for about an hour and a half.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this dish, you might also like:
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is an easy yet delicious meal that brings the richness of Korean flavors to your kitchen without fuss. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a dish that leaves everyone satisfied and looking forward to seconds!
Print
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Description
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a flavorful dish that melds Korean ingredients into a comforting stew ideal for any season. Inspired by Korean cuisine’s signature spicy and savory notes, this dish has become a go-to for busy days when you want something hearty with minimal prep. Korean-inspired recipes like this bring together families and friends, offering both warmth and the joy of sharing a meal steeped in rich flavors
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These provide a rich, juicy flavor ideal for slow cooking.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a tender texture.
- Mushrooms: These lend a savory depth to enhance the umami profile.
- Onion: Provides a robust base flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
- Gochujang: The star ingredient, a Korean chili paste that brings heat, sweetness, and complexity.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the spice with subtle sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami richness.
- Chicken Stock: Acts as the broth to bring it all together.
- Cornstarch (optional): For thickening.
- Spring Onions: For a fresh garnish.
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop your vegetables and chicken for easy assembly.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add chicken, carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water, add to the stew, and cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
- Season and Serve: Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.
