As I ladled the rich, steaming broth into my bowl, the enticing aroma of my Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew transported me straight to a bustling Seoul market. This dish captures the heart of Korean comfort food, with tender chicken thighs simmering alongside earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots, all enveloped in a vibrant gochujang sauce. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also gluten-free and low-calorie, ensuring that I can savor each bite without any guilt. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a cozy meal for yourself, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Curious to learn how to whip up this delightful dish? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is this stew a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Best: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the magic, freeing up your time for other activities.
Bold, Flavorful Ingredients: The gochujang sauce provides a unique spicy-sweet taste that will excite your palate and keep everyone coming back for more.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch for easy leftovers, perfect for those busy weekdays. Store in the fridge or freeze for a quick meal at a later date—just reheat and enjoy!
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty stew strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it suitable for family gatherings or cozy date nights.
Gluten-Free and Low-Calorie: Indulge without guilt! Each serving is under 400 calories, providing a wholesome meal option for those watching their diet.
Adaptable for Everyone: Want a vegetarian twist? Just swap the chicken for a mix of hearty beans and veggies. Dive into this comforting dish and discover why it’s a beloved staple in Korean cuisine!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, ideal for long cooking times; substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onion puts the best flavor forward.
- Carrot – Provides sweetness and lovely color; parsnips work as a flavorful alternative.
- Mushrooms – Deliver umami and earthiness; shiitake or button mushrooms are both excellent choices.
- Minced Garlic – Elevates aroma and flavor; using fresh garlic is recommended for the best results.
- Gochujang – Infuses spice and depth; opt for authentic Korean gochujang paste to capture the true essence of the dish.
- Soy Sauce – Brings saltiness to the mix; gluten-free soy sauce is a perfect substitute for dietary needs.
- Brown Sugar – Balances the heat with mild sweetness; honey or maple syrup can be effective alternatives.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a delightful nutty flavor; olive oil may serve as a lighter substitute.
- Chicken Stock – Forms the hearty base of the stew; a good vegetable stock can make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
For Garnish
- Spring Onions – Provide a fresh finish; chives are a nice alternative if spring onions aren’t available.
For Thickening
- Cornstarch – Essential for a thicker stew texture; arrowroot powder can also be used for thickening purposes.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re one step closer to creating a cozy family meal with this delightful 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, carrot, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re ready to soak up the flavors. You’ll need your slow cooker at the ready, along with a cutting board and knife for this step.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped chicken thighs, onion, carrot, mushrooms, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add in the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock. Use a large spoon to stir everything together, ensuring both the chicken and vegetables are well-coated in the rich sauce mixture, creating a colourful, aromatic base.
Step 3: Cook the Stew
Cover your slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender, and all the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that will leave everyone eager for dinner.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
As the cooking time nears its end, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth. In the last hour of cooking on high or the last two hours on low, add this mixture to your stew. Stir well to incorporate, which will help thicken the sauce to a velvety texture, perfect for coating every bite of chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the cooking cycle is complete, take a moment to taste your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors further, ensuring a perfect seasoning balance. The chicken should be fork-tender, and the stew should look rich and hearty.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming stew into bowls, and sprinkle with freshly chopped spring onions for a pop of color and crunch. This garnish not only adds a fresh flavor but enhances the visual appeal of your comforting dish. Serve hot alongside rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Enjoy Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly and enjoy another delicious serving of your delightful Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before placing in airtight freezer bags for best results.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring the meal is steaming hot before serving.
Thickening Tip: If the stew thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken stock to bring back the original texture while enjoying your delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
• Perfect Thickness: For a richer texture, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step; it transforms your stew into a velvety delight.
• Season Wisely: Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end of cooking. Adding salt or pepper earlier can lead to over-seasoning as flavors concentrate.
• Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs retain moisture and flavor, so opt for them over breasts; overcooking can lead to dryness, so monitor cooking times.
• Flavor Variations: Want to switch it up? Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for an extra kick that complements the gochujang beautifully.
• Veggie Swaps: Make it vegetarian-friendly! Substitute the chicken with a mix of beans and additional vegetables—perfect for meatless meals!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Variations
Feel free to explore these enticing variations to tailor the stew to your taste and dietary needs!
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Vegetarian: Swap chicken for a mix of hearty beans and veggies, using vegetable stock for a fulfilling dish that everyone can enjoy.
This twist retains the stew’s warmth while making it suitable for vegetarians and still packed with flavor. -
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce instead to reduce the overall sodium content, making it a heart-healthier option.
Your taste buds won’t even notice the difference, thanks to the rich gochujang. -
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili to amp up the heat as desired.
This variation is perfect for those who enjoy an extra kick in their comfort food! -
Mushroom Madness: Experiment with different mushroom varieties like portobello or oyster mushrooms for a textural twist.
The earthy flavors will beautifully deepen the overall taste of the stew. -
Sweet and Savory: Introduce a splash of pineapple juice or diced pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savoriness of the stew.
This fruity addition creates a delightful balance, captivating even the pickiest eaters. -
Nutty Flavor: Replace sesame oil with toasted walnut oil for an unexpected yet lovely nuttiness to the dish.
This small swap can elevate your stew to a whole new level of gourmet! -
Add Leafy Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and a pop of color.
Not only does it make the dish visually appealing, but it also boosts the health factor!
For more ways to complement this stew, consider pairing it with steamed rice or a side of crusty bread to soak up that flavorful sauce. Your family will love the balance of these variations!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
There’s something enchanting about turning a cozy stew into a complete meal that warms the heart and fills the home with delightful aromas.
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Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the rich sauce perfectly, providing a comforting base for the hearty stew.
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Quinoa: Light and fluffy, quinoa introduces a nutty flavor that balances the spiciness of the stew while offering a protein boost.
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Crusty Bread: Ideal for dunking, fresh crusty bread captures every decadent drop of sauce, enhancing the dining experience.
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Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing contrast to the warm stew, this salad adds a crisp texture and vibrant colors to your plate.
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Kimchi: This traditional Korean side brings a spicy, fermented zing that beautifully complements the umami flavors of the stew.
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Roasted Broccoli: A pop of color and a touch of bitterness from roasted broccoli provides a delightful contrast to the stew’s richness.
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Chilled Sake or Light Beer: These beverages enhance the meal’s flavors; sake’s smoothness pairs well while a light beer refreshes and balances every bite.
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Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a fruity sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after the savory stew, perfecting your dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew meal prep tips are perfect for busy home cooks! You can chop the onion, carrot, and mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent browning. Additionally, you can combine the chicken thighs, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock in the slow cooker, refrigerating this mixture for up to 3 days before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply transfer everything to the slow cooker, set it to your desired cooking time, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Don’t worry; your stew will taste just as delicious!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the stew?
I recommend using chicken thighs for their juiciness and ability to withstand long cooking times. They absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully and stay moist even after several hours in the slow cooker. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used, but they may become dry if overcooked.
How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors intact, let the stew cool completely before sealing it. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Can I freeze the stew?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew in portions for up to 3 months. Pour the cooled stew into airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What should I do if my stew is too thick after cooking?
If your stew thickens too much during the cooking or reheating process, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken stock or water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes—this will restore the stew to its rich, velvety texture.
Is this stew suitable for those with gluten intolerance?
Yes! This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew can be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Always double-check that all other ingredients, especially the gochujang, are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Certainly! The stew is quite versatile. If you want a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for a mix of hearty beans like black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Additionally, feel free to add seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers for a unique twist!
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew for Cozy Family Meals
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, chop onion, carrot, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces, and rinse chicken thighs.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken thighs, onion, carrot, mushrooms, and minced garlic in the slow cooker, add gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock, stir to combine.
- Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Thicken the Stew: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water, add to stew in the last hour of high cooking or last two hours of low cooking to thicken.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls, sprinkle with spring onions, and serve hot with sides.
- Enjoy Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
