This dish features succulent chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and mirin, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating the chicken and making each bite irresistible.
Served over a bed of steamed brown rice, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh scallions, it offers a delightful contrast in textures and a burst of color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons canola oil (or as needed)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
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Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, chicken broth, soy sauce, gochujang, mirin, and sesame oil. Set aside.
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Heat canola oil over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet until shimmering. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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Place chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the skin is nicely browned. Transfer to a plate.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
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Return chicken thighs to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken 2-3 times, until thoroughly cooked and tender.
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In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Pour into the skillet and continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Serve the chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Pair with steamed brown rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: Approximately 514 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Korean Braised Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
If you’re looking to add some exciting flavors to your weekly dinner routine, Korean Braised Chicken Thighs are an incredible choice. This dish is a wonderful fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy elements that come together in a beautifully braised meal. With a rich, flavorful sauce featuring gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and mirin, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Korean cuisine. Perfect for any night of the week, this recipe combines ease with gourmet flavors, making it a standout at your dinner table.
The Essence of Korean Cooking in a Single Dish
Korean cuisine is known for its vibrant, bold flavors that balance spiciness, sweetness, and umami in perfect harmony. Gochujang, a fermented chili paste, is a key ingredient in many Korean dishes. It’s smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet, creating an irresistible glaze when paired with soy sauce and mirin. This combination is used to braise chicken thighs, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and tender to the bite.
The method of braising in this recipe ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and becoming juicy and succulent. While the chicken is cooking, the sauce thickens, forming a luscious coating that clings to the meat, delivering all of the complex flavors in every bite.
Why Chicken Thighs Are Ideal for This Recipe
Chicken thighs are often considered the more flavorful part of the chicken compared to breasts. They contain more fat, which contributes to their juiciness and tenderness. For a braised dish like this one, chicken thighs are a natural choice because they hold up well during the long simmering process, absorbing the flavors from the sauce without drying out. Their skin also crisps up beautifully when seared before braising, adding a delightful contrast to the soft, tender meat.
In addition to their flavor, chicken thighs are budget-friendly, making them an accessible option for families and home cooks alike. They are versatile and pair well with a variety of sauces and seasonings, which is why they’re used in many different types of global cuisines.
The Health Benefits of Korean Braised Chicken Thighs
While chicken thighs have a slightly higher fat content than chicken breasts, they also offer several nutritional benefits. They are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. The addition of ingredients like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil also bring their own health benefits to the table. Garlic and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting qualities, while sesame oil provides heart-healthy fats and a distinctive, nutty flavor.
The balance of vegetables, like onions and scallions, adds extra nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. When paired with brown rice or a vegetable side, this dish can easily become part of a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
How to Serve Korean Braised Chicken Thighs
Korean Braised Chicken Thighs can be served in many ways, depending on your preference and dietary needs. Traditionally, they are paired with steamed rice, which helps balance the bold flavors of the braise and soak up the savory sauce. Brown rice adds a bit more texture and fiber, making it a great choice for a heartier meal. You can also serve the chicken with other grains like quinoa or couscous, or even with a side of sautéed vegetables for a lighter, low-carb option.
If you’re serving this dish for a family or at a dinner party, consider adding a few Korean-inspired sides, like kimchi, pickled radishes, or a simple cucumber salad. These sides help cut through the richness of the chicken while adding additional layers of flavor.
Adjusting the Spice Level
One of the most appealing features of Korean Braised Chicken Thighs is the ability to adjust the spice level to your liking. Gochujang can be quite spicy, but it’s also deeply flavorful with a perfect balance of heat, sweet, and savory. If you prefer a milder version of this dish, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or even substitute it with a milder chili paste or sauce. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of gochujang or add a pinch of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for extra kick.
In addition to adjusting the chili paste, consider using a sweeter mirin or adding a touch more sugar if you want to balance out the spice further. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so feel free to experiment to find the perfect flavor profile for your taste.
The Importance of Marinating
Although this recipe doesn’t require a long marinating process, letting the chicken sit in the sauce for even just 15-20 minutes before cooking can significantly enhance the flavor. If you have the time, marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight can allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in an even more flavorful dish. This step is particularly beneficial if you’re preparing the dish ahead of time for a dinner party or gathering.
Tips for Perfectly Braised Chicken
While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips to ensure you get the best results every time:
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Sear the Chicken Properly: To get crispy skin and deep flavor, it’s essential to sear the chicken thighs in hot oil until the skin is golden brown. This step adds texture and enhances the overall presentation of the dish.
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Don’t Skip the Simmering: Braising the chicken in the sauce allows it to absorb all the rich, savory flavors. Don’t rush the simmering process; let the chicken cook slowly to ensure it becomes tender and flavorful.
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Use a Heavy Skillet or Dutch Oven: A heavy skillet or Dutch oven ensures even cooking and helps to maintain consistent heat throughout the braising process. These types of cookware retain heat well and allow the sauce to reduce evenly.
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Rest the Chicken Before Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and tender when you cut into it.
Conclusion
Korean Braised Chicken Thighs are the perfect dish to elevate your cooking repertoire. With its bold flavors, tender chicken, and savory glaze, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, Korean Braised Chicken Thighs offer a unique and delicious option that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The balance of spices, sweetness, and umami in this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with various sides and customized to suit your spice preferences. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to make on any given night, while also offering the rich, complex flavors of Korean cuisine. So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy the comforting warmth of these Korean Braised Chicken Thighs.