This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the bold and comforting essence of Korean cuisine straight to your table. With tender chicken infused in a deeply savory broth of soy sauce, garlic, gochujang, and ginger, each bite bursts with umami-rich flavor. The addition of carrots, onions, and bell peppers gives the stew a fresh, slightly sweet undertone that balances perfectly with the spicy warmth from the Korean chili paste.
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and ease. A true set-it-and-forget-it recipe, it’s ideal for busy days when you want something nourishing and exciting without the stress of constant supervision. Garnished with fresh spring onions and sesame seeds, it not only tastes amazing but looks beautifully rustic. This stew pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or even a bowl of noodles, offering a deeply satisfying meal that’s both healthy and rich in flavor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 large chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs), chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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1 carrot, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, add the chicken, onion, carrot, and bell pepper.
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In a bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Stir everything well, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are coated.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew: A Flavorful Fusion of Comfort and Spice
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a heartwarming dish that beautifully blends the bold, umami-rich flavors of Korean cuisine with the ease and convenience of slow cooking. This recipe captures the soulful essence of traditional Korean meals while being perfectly suited for busy modern lifestyles. With tender chicken pieces, savory gochujang sauce, and wholesome vegetables, it delivers a deeply satisfying experience that appeals to both spice lovers and comfort food fans alike.
The Inspiration Behind Korean Chicken Stew
Korean cuisine is known for its robust flavor profiles, often characterized by the use of fermented ingredients, garlic, ginger, and chili. Gochujang, a fermented red chili paste, is at the heart of this stew, providing a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and depth. This slow cooker recipe adapts those authentic Korean flavors into a dish that’s practical for everyday cooking, without sacrificing taste.
In traditional Korean homes, stews—known as “jjigae”—are often served bubbling hot and meant to be shared among family members. They symbolize warmth, togetherness, and nourishment. While the classic jjigae may use tofu, seafood, or kimchi, this version leans into a more globally friendly approach with chicken as the central protein, appealing to a wider audience and offering familiarity while still introducing new flavors.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the strongest benefits of this Korean Chicken Stew is its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—no complex techniques or continuous monitoring needed. The flavors develop slowly over several hours, allowing the meat to become fall-apart tender and infused with the spicy, tangy sauce. This hands-off cooking method is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to enjoy a homemade meal without standing over the stove.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its flexibility. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions not only bring color and nutrition but also soak up the flavorful sauce, adding texture and sweetness to the dish. The stew can be easily customized for different heat levels by adjusting the amount of gochujang, making it adaptable for children or those sensitive to spice.
The Nutritional Advantage
Beyond its great taste, Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a nutritionally sound choice. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety. The inclusion of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The gochujang paste, though spicy, contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. Compared to fried or heavily processed alternatives, this slow-cooked meal is a wholesome, balanced option for lunch or dinner.
Those watching their sodium intake can opt for a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. For even more health benefits, serve the stew with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. These high-fiber grains will keep you fuller longer and add even more nutrients to the meal.
Versatile Serving Ideas
One of the best aspects of this stew is how many different ways it can be enjoyed. The most traditional pairing is steamed white rice, but there’s room for creativity. Try serving it over soba noodles, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. It’s also fantastic spooned over baked sweet potatoes or served alongside a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the stew.
For an elevated touch, top the dish with sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a handful of chopped scallions. You can even sprinkle on crushed peanuts or toasted nori strips for extra texture and flavor. Add a side of kimchi or pickled radish to complete the Korean dining experience.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
This dish lends itself exceptionally well to meal prepping. You can cook a large batch in the slow cooker, divide it into containers, and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and flavorful meal on demand.
If you’re someone who likes to prepare ingredients ahead of time, you can chop all the vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before. In the morning, simply toss everything into the slow cooker and return later to a delicious, home-cooked dinner with no additional effort required.
Cultural Appeal and Global Influence
As Korean cuisine continues to gain popularity around the world, recipes like this Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew play a crucial role in bridging cultures. It introduces people to authentic flavors in an accessible way, especially for those who may not have immediate access to Korean restaurants or ingredients. It serves as a gateway dish that opens the door to exploring deeper elements of Korean cooking, such as fermented foods, unique spice combinations, and traditional eating rituals.
Incorporating elements of Korean cuisine into your weekly meal routine not only adds variety but also allows you to appreciate a rich culinary heritage. With global food trends leaning toward more diverse and culturally inspired meals, this stew fits perfectly into a modern, health-conscious kitchen.
Time-Saving and Family-Friendly
From a practical standpoint, the use of a slow cooker is a game changer. Whether you’re managing a full-time job, juggling family responsibilities, or simply trying to eat better, this recipe supports your lifestyle. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal you can rely on when time is limited and hunger is high.
What’s more, this dish is loved by adults and kids alike. The chicken becomes soft enough for even picky eaters, and the sweetness from the carrots and honey balances out the heat from the gochujang. You can easily make a mild version for children and add chili flakes or extra sauce to adult portions.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful journey into the heart of Korean comfort food, made accessible for modern kitchens. It combines bold spices, tender meat, and a medley of vegetables into a one-pot wonder that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach. Its ease of preparation, adaptability, and healthful qualities make it a must-try for any home cook seeking to expand their recipe repertoire with a dish that’s as nourishing as it is exciting.
Whether you’re craving something new for a weeknight dinner or looking for an impressive yet low-effort dish for a family gathering, this stew delivers. As the gochujang-infused aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find yourself anticipating not just a great meal—but a warm, flavorful experience that lingers well beyond the last bite.