As I leaned over the simmering pot, the rich aroma of the Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to the bustling streets of Seoul. It’s amazing how a dish can evoke such vivid memories and warmth—a reminder that homemade meals can be both comforting and nutritious. This stew combines tender chicken thighs with earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots, all beautifully enhanced by the spicy kick of gochujang. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only simplifies meal prep with minimal fuss but is also a healthy, gluten-free option that your whole family will adore. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a bowl of soul-soothing goodness that’s ready to warm your heart. Are you ready to discover how simple it is to bring a taste of Korea into your home?
Why is this stew a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, making it an effortless addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Bursting with Flavor: The harmonious blend of gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil creates a deeply satisfying umami experience that warms the soul.
Healthy & Wholesome: Gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe aligns perfectly with healthy eating goals, proving you don’t have to compromise on taste for nutrition.
Family-Friendly Appeal: With its tender chicken and colorful veggies, this stew is officially kid-approved, inviting even the pickiest eaters to explore new flavors.
Endless Versatility: Feel free to adapt the recipe with seasonal vegetables or proteins like beans for a vegetarian twist. Enhanced with rice or noodles, it transforms into a hearty meal everyone will love!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stew ahead of time, just like in my Savory Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes post, or simply store leftovers for a quick and delicious lunch.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
• Chicken Thighs – Provides tenderness and flavor; boneless, skinless options simplify preparation.
• Onion – Adds depth and sweetness; shallots can be a milder substitute.
• Carrot – Contributes sweetness and slight crunch; try parsnips for a fun twist.
• Mushrooms – Imparts umami richness; shiitake or button mushrooms work well, and dried mushrooms can be used if rehydrated first.
• Minced Garlic – Enhances flavor; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Gochujang – A staple Korean fermented chili paste that adds depth and heat, with sriracha as an alternative if needed.
• Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and umami; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the spiciness; honey or coconut sugar can also work.
• Sesame Oil – Adds nuttiness; toasted sesame oil enhances the flavor more, while olive oil can be an alternative.
• Chicken Stock – Serves as the stew’s base; vegetable stock offers a vegetarian option.
• Spring Onions – Used for garnish to provide freshness; chives or regular onions can substitute.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the stew for a pleasant mouthfeel; arrowroot or flour are alternatives.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Season to taste, enhancing overall flavor in your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and prepare the mushrooms. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This step sets the stage for an aromatic experience as the flavors meld beautifully throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Add the chicken, onion, carrots, mushrooms, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock into your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined, allowing the vibrant flavors to mingle. This colorful medley should look enticing as you prepare to nourish your family with a hearty meal.
Step 3: Set Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 4–5 hours. Whichever setting you choose, the goal is for the chicken to become tender and absorb the infused flavors. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the delightful aroma of Korean spices, building anticipation for your soul-soothing stew.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
In the last hour of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water in a bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the bubbling stew, ensuring it incorporates evenly. This will enrich the broth, giving your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew a hearty and satisfying consistency.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
As the cooking time nears its end, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference. This final touch elevates the flavors, ensuring your dish is perfectly balanced. Make sure the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once fully cooked, ladle the piping hot stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a pop of color. The vibrant greens will enhance the visual appeal and freshness of the dish. Serve your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and delightful meal that warms the heart.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables (onions, carrots, and mushrooms) and marinate the chicken thighs with the gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring maximum flavor infusion. Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, add the chicken stock, and let it simmer as instructed. This way, you’ll create a comforting stew that’s just as delicious, saving you precious time without sacrificing taste on chaotic days!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
As the savory aroma of your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew fills the air, it’s time to think about complementary dishes that elevate your meal into a delightful feast.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains of jasmine rice soak up the rich sauce, providing a perfect base that balances the stew’s bold flavors.
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Savory Garlic Noodles: These tender noodles, tossed in garlic and sesame oil, bring an additional layer of richness that pairs harmoniously with the stew’s spiciness.
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Spicy Kimchi: Adding a side of kimchi introduces fiery flavors while its tangy crunch brightens the overall meal, enhancing your Korean culinary experience.
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Crispy Asian Egg Rolls: These crispy delights filled with savory vegetables or proteins add a delightful crunch that complements the stew’s creamy texture.
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Sesame Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad, with crunchy cucumbers soaked in a sesame dressing, provides a cooling contrast that balances the warmth of the stew.
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Miso Soup: A light, umami-rich miso soup serves as a warm appetizer that enhances the meal’s comforting nature and connects with the flavors of Korean cuisine.
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Chilled Soju: For a sophisticated drink pairing, chilled soju offers a smooth sip that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich stew.
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Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake: To finish on a sweet note, this creamy dessert adds a unique twist; its subtle earthiness complements the savory stew beautifully.
With these delightful pairings, your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew transforms into a memorable dining experience!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
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Quality Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure they remain juicy as they cook, avoiding dryness that can happen with leaner cuts.
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Adjusting Spice Level: Experiment with the amount of gochujang based on your heat preference; add a bit more during cooking if you desire a spicier kick in your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew.
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Proper Thawing for Leftovers: If storing leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture before reheating to keep the chicken tender.
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Thickening Tips: For a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch slurry right before it’s time to add it in; don’t add it too early, as that can affect the thickening process.
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Oven Alternative: If you want a different method, consider cooking in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours for a similar rich flavor profile.
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Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in seasonal veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and variety in your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients to create your perfect slow cooker dish!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for beans or tofu to make a hearty vegetarian stew that still packs a flavor punch. Add some extra spices to elevate the taste!
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Extra Veggies: Throw in seasonal additions like bell peppers or zucchini. They not only boost nutrition but also add a lovely splash of color, making the stew even more appealing.
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Coconut Twist: Use coconut milk instead of chicken stock for a creamy, tropical touch. This adds a delightful layer of richness while keeping the dish gluten-free.
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Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by incorporating additional chili flakes or fresh chilies alongside the gochujang. Your taste buds will thank you for this fiery enhancement!
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Savor with Grains: Serve your stew over rice, quinoa, or noodles to create a complete meal. It’s amazing how a simple grain can elevate the dish to new levels of comfort.
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Garnish Galore: Experiment with garnishes like chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. They’ll add brightness and flair to each bowl.
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Flavorful Fusion: For a unique twist, stir in some kimchi right before serving. This will introduce a zingy taste that contrasts beautifully with the hearty stew.
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Sweet Surprise: Consider adding a handful of pineapple or mango for a sweet, fruity balance against the savory broth. It’s a delightful surprise you won’t want to miss!
For more ideas, you might enjoy my delicious Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce or try out the Honey Feta Chicken for another twist on flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure the stew is fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze the stew in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s cooled down and use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to restore moisture.
Serve Fresh: For optimal flavor, it’s best to enjoy this Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew fresh, but don’t hesitate to savor those delicious leftovers!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the stew?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They remain juicier and more flavorful during the slow cooking process than chicken breasts, which tend to dry out. Look for thighs that are plump and have a nice pink color without any dark spots for optimum freshness.
How long can I store the stew in the fridge?
You can store your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to allow it to cool fully before sealing the container to preserve its amazing flavors and textures.
Can I freeze the stew, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months! First, make sure the stew is fully cooled. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. For easy serving later, label and date the containers, and lay them flat in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What should I do if the stew is too spicy for my taste?
If you find your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a bit too spicy, don’t fret! You can balance out the heat by stirring in a bit more brown sugar or honey to provide sweetness. Another option is to add some coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking, which will help mellow the heat while making the dish creamier.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for various dietary needs. If you’re concerned about allergens, always choose gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check labels for any additional ingredients. Additionally, if you have pet allergies or sensitivities, make sure to store the stew safely away from your furry friends, as some ingredients may not be suitable for them.
Can I adapt this recipe for a vegetarian version?
Yes! You can easily modify this stew for a vegetarian diet by swapping out the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite beans. I recommend sautéing the tofu first for added texture. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the stew further, while vegetable stock can be used as the base.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew for a Cozy Family Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and prepare the mushrooms. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken, onion, carrots, mushrooms, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock into your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender.
- In the last hour of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken.
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper before serving.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
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