Delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Name: Delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 Carrots, diced; 1 Onion, diced; 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced; 1/4 cup Soy sauce; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 inch Ginger, minced; 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste); 4 cups Chicken broth; 2 tbsp Sesame oil

Hey there, food fans! Today, we’re diving into the comforting world of slow cooker Korean chicken stew. If you’re anything like me, you crave hearty meals that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Lucky for us, we can indulge in this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. What’s not to love about that? So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get cookin’!

Why Choose Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew?

First off, what makes this recipe a winner? Convenience! Seriously, who has the time to babysit a pot on the stove? With the slow cooker, you just toss ingredients in, set it, and forget it. How easy is that? 🤷‍♂️ Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully, giving you a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Bonus points if you can impress your friends!

What’s in this Stew Anyway?

Now let’s talk about the stars of the show—ingredients! This stew is packed with savory goodness that pillows your taste buds and hugs your belly. Here’s what you need:

Chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts work great.
Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and mushrooms add tons of flavor.
Seasonings: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) bring the heat.
Broth: Chicken broth is the base that ties everything together.
Sesame Oil: Oh, this is a must for that nutty flavor!

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you throw everything into that glorious slow cooker, let’s prep those ingredients.

Cutting and Chopping Like a Pro

Chicken: Cut your chicken into bite-size pieces. This helps ensure everything cooks evenly. Plus, it’s easier to chew—nobody wants to wrestle with their food.
Veggies: Dice the onions, slice the carrots, and chop the mushrooms. Remember, consistency is key. You want them to cook at the same rate, so aim for similar sizes.

Pro Tip:

If you’re feeling extra lazy (no judgments here!), grab pre-chopped veggies from the store. After all, we have a stew to make!

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Layering Ingredients

In your slow cooker, layer your ingredients starting with your chicken, followed by the veggies. This lets the flavors infuse beautifully without one element overpowering the other. Imagine it like a delicious, warm blanket of flavors—everyone’s invited to the party!

Mixing it Up

Don’t forget to add your soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Stir it all around a little to get those juices mingling. This is where the party starts! Your kitchen will smell like a Korean restaurant in no time. 🌟

Should I Add Broth?

Yes! Pour in your chicken broth and a splash of sesame oil. It transforms everything into a cozy, bubbling wonderland.

Cooking Time – Just Set It and Forget It!

Now that we’ve got everything prepped and loaded into the slow cooker, what’s next? It’s time to set it and forget it.

Cooking Times

Low Heat: Cook for about 6-8 hours — perfect for when you’re busy with life (or just binge-watching that new series).
High Heat: Cook for about 3-4 hours — ideal if you’re in a bit of a time crunch but still want something delish.

But What About Seasoning?

Don’t forget to taste-test! About 30 minutes before it’s done, sneak a quick taste. Need more soy sauce? A dash of salt? Maybe a little more heat? Adjust as you see fit. This is all about making it perfect for you.

Serving Your Sweet (or Savory) Stew

Once your stew is done, it’s time to dig in! But wait—how should you serve it?

Serve It Right!

With Rice or Noodles: A bowl of fluffy white rice or chewy noodles makes this dish even heartier.
Toppings: Don’t skimp on toppings! Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sesame oil can take your stew up a notch.

Presentation is Key

After all that cooking, why not make your stew look as fabulous as it tastes? A sprinkle of green onions adds a nice pop of color that’s Instagram-worthy (and yeah, we all do it for the ‘Gram, right? 📸).

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any)

So, you’ve devoured your stew, but what if there are leftovers? You glorious cook, you! Here’s how to handle it:

Storing It Right

In the Fridge: Let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. It’ll last about 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze it in individual portions for easy dinners. Just thaw and reheat when hunger strikes!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

You might have some burning questions about this recipe, and I’m here to help!

Can I make it vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. You do you!

What if I don’t have gochujang?

No problem! Sriracha or another chili sauce can work as a substitute. Just keep an eye on the heat level—you don’t want the spice police knocking at your door!

Can I use frozen chicken?

You bet! Just remember that frozen chicken may take a bit longer to cook. I’d recommend using the high setting in the slow cooker for a better outcome.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a delicious, soul-warming slow cooker Korean chicken stew that practically makes itself! Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or sharing with loved ones, this dish hits the spot every time. Don’t forget to invite me to dinner next time; I could use a taste test! 😉

So, what do you think? Ready to whip up your own batch of cozy goodness? Grab those ingredients and let’s make some magic happen in that slow cooker. Happy cooking, friends! 💖