The chilly evening air was brisk, and I found myself craving something warm and comforting. This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew was the perfect answer—its aroma of gochujang and garlic filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. With just a few simple ingredients like tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots, this dish balances heat and sweetness effortlessly.
What I love most about it is the ease of preparation; you can toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Imagine returning home to that wonderfully rich stew, ready to welcome you after a busy day—a nutritious, gluten-free meal without all the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone who loves the simplicity of homemade food, this stew is a delightful addition to any weeknight dinner table. Join me on this flavorful journey to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones!
Why Will You Love Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?
Comforting warmth: The aroma of this dish fills your kitchen, offering a cozy welcome after a long day.
Effortless preparation: With only a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything in your slow cooker and go about your day!
Bursting with flavor: The harmonious blend of gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic delivers a rich and savory experience that excites the palate.
Versatile ingredients: Feel free to get creative—swap in your favorite vegetables or choose a vegetarian option by using beans.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy the convenience of having a delicious meal ready to reheat on busy nights.
This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is not just comfort food; it’s a flavorful adventure, perfect for impressing friends at your next dinner gathering!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
- Chicken Thighs – Ensure to choose thighs over breasts for maximum juiciness and flavor during slow cooking.
- Onion – Provides a wonderful depth of flavor; yellow onions work best for sweetness.
- Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and can be swapped for parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Mushrooms – Choose varieties like button or shiitake for that delightful umami richness.
- Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic offers the best aromatic punch; substitute with garlic powder if needed.
- Gochujang – This essential ingredient brings spice and depth; look for a thick paste made in Korea.
- Soy Sauce – Adds savory umami; opt for gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Brown Sugar – Balances the heat from gochujang nicely; coconut sugar or honey can be used as alternatives.
- Sesame Oil – Infuses the stew with a nutty flavor; olive oil can be used but will alter the taste.
- Chicken Stock – Provides liquid and seasoning; vegetable stock works perfectly for a vegetarian twist.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the stew; mix with water to create a slurry for the best texture.
- Spring Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor for garnish; can be omitted or replaced with chives if desired.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to personal taste preferences.
This delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a fantastic way to combine cozy ambiance with nourishing goodness!
How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
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Add Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, onion, carrot, mushrooms, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock into the slow cooker. Ensure everything is well included for a full flavor experience.
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Stir Well: Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients. This step is crucial to ensure that the flavors meld beautifully as it cooks.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred as it cooks.
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Thicken the Stew: During the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to achieve the perfect thickness.
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Season to Taste: Once cooked, taste your stew and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust to your personal preference for a savory finish.
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Serve Hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot, garnishing with fresh chopped spring onions for a pop of color and taste.
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
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Fridge: Store leftover Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing.
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Freezer: Freeze your stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portion it out for easy reheating on busy nights.
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Thawing: To enjoy your frozen stew, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This ensures a more even reheating when you warm it up.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken stock or water if it thickens too much.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?
Imagine enjoying a hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Pairing your stew with delightful sides enhances its rich flavors, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
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Steamed Rice: The fluffy grains absorb the savory broth perfectly, balancing the stew’s spice and adding a satisfying texture.
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Quinoa Salad: A light, nutty salad with fresh veggies complements the stew, adding a crunchy element to the dining experience.
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Kimchi: This tangy, fermented side delivers an authentic Korean flavor kick, perfectly contrasting the stew’s richness and warmth.
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Cucumber Salad: A fresh, crisp cucumber salad sprinkled with sesame seeds and a light dressing cools the palate, providing a refreshing balance.
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Noodles: Soft, slurpable noodles soak up the delicious broth, making every bite an indulgent treat.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn adds a summery touch, bringing sweetness to harmonize with the stew’s comforting spices.
Enjoy these lovely sides that not only dazzle the plate but also enhance the delightful experience of your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Variations
Customize your dish and explore new flavors with delightful twists on this comforting stew!
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with hearty beans and a mix of your favorite veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a filling meal. Elevate the flavor by adding extra garlic and spices.
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Extra Spice: If you love a bit of heat, increase the gochujang or toss in some sliced fresh chilies to crank up the flavor profile. This variation makes every bite exciting!
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Sweet Maple Twist: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup to introduce a lighter sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements of the stew.
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Asian Fusion: Add a splash of coconut milk towards the end for a creamy, tropical twist that enriches the overall flavor. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl!
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Noodle Option: Serve over a bed of rice noodles or ramen for a heartier meal. The noodles soak up the flavor while adding an enjoyable chewy texture.
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Herb Infusion: Enhance the dish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions added at the end for a burst of freshness that brightens the hearty stew.
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Crispy Topping: For added texture, top your stew with crispy shallots or fried garlic right before serving. This crunchy element brings a delightful contrast to the soft stew.
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Gochujang Swap: If you need a milder flavor, substitute gochujang with a sweet chili sauce for a sweet yet tangy profile—adjust to your preferred spice level.
The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew your own! Enjoy these variations, and let your culinary creativity shine through!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
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Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality gochujang to ensure authentic flavors in your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew; cheap alternatives may lack depth.
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Thighs Over Breasts: Stick with chicken thighs, as they retain moisture during slow cooking, preventing dryness and ensuring a tender stew.
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Vegetable Flexibility: Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition; just remember to cut them into chunks for even cooking.
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Vegetarian Swap: If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace chicken with a good mix of beans and a variety of vegetables to keep it hearty and filling.
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Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken for tenderness towards the end of cooking; overcooking can lead to a less enjoyable texture.
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Serving Suggestions: Consider pairing your stew with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a delightful, flavor-packed meal that enhances the overall experience.
Make Ahead Options
This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the onions, carrots, and mushrooms, and marinate the chicken thighs with the gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate them in an airtight container. Additionally, you can prepare the cornstarch slurry and keep it separate until cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and switch it on; you’ll return home to a comforting meal with all the flavors intact, making it just as delicious as if made fresh. Enjoy the time-saving benefits on your busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the stew?
Opt for chicken thighs as they provide excellent juiciness and flavor. Thighs hold up very well during slow cooking, remaining moist and tender. Chicken breasts can dry out, ruining the texture of your stew.
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to let the stew cool down completely before sealing it. This will help maintain freshness and prevent excess moisture from making it soggy.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! You can freeze your stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. This allows for an even reheating, ensuring it tastes just as delicious as when it was first made.
What steps should I follow to reheat frozen stew?
To reheat your frozen Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew, do the following:
- Transfer the thawed stew to a pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally, heating until warmed through, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew, replace the chicken with a combination of beans (such as kidney or black beans) and your choice of absorbent vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. Ensure the rest of the ingredients, particularly the soy sauce and stock, are vegetarian-friendly.
What should I look for when selecting gochujang?
When choosing gochujang, look for a thick paste labeled “Made in Korea” for authentic flavor. Quality matters too; higher-quality gochujang will provide deeper, more complex flavors, enhancing your stew beautifully. If you need a substitute, sriracha or other chili pastes can work, but the taste will differ.
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew: Cozy Flavor in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken thighs, onion, carrot, mushrooms, minced garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock into the slow cooker.
- Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
- During the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and stir this into the stew.
- Once cooked, taste your stew and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot, garnishing with fresh chopped spring onions.