Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Dive into the world of Korean flavours with this delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew! Inspired by my love for Korean cuisine, this recipe combines tender chicken thighs, mushrooms, and carrots with the delicious taste of gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic that create a flavoursome spicy sauce.

Plus, slow cooker recipes like this are a lifesaver on busy weeks. Simply add all the ingredients, let it simmer away, and voilà—dinner is served, effortlessly delicious and satisfying.

Calories in Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

This Korean Chicken Stew serves 4 and is 370 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a fundamental ingredient in Korean cuisine, renowned for its rich flavour and versatile use. It is a fermented chilli paste made from red chilli powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. This combination undergoes a fermentation process that can last anywhere from several months to years, resulting in a deep, complex flavour profile with a spicy kick and a hint of sweetness.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting gochujang, it's essential to opt for the authentic variety that comes in a tub and is a thick paste. Look for products labelled as "Made in Korea" or "Product of Korea" to ensure authenticity. These versions maintain the traditional preparation methods and deliver the intense flavour and colour that are characteristic of genuine gochujang. Avoid the bottled sauce variety, which tends to be thinner and may lack the depth of flavour found in the traditional paste.

Variations and Substitutes

1. Pork Substitute: If you prefer pork over chicken, you can easily substitute pork shoulder or pork loin for the chicken thighs in this recipe. However, it's worth noting that chicken breasts are not recommended due to their tendency to overcook and release a lot of water, which can dilute the depth of flavour in the stew.
2. Gochujang Importance: Gochujang, a Korean fermented chilli paste, is the key ingredient that gives this stew its signature flavour. While something like sriracha can be used as an emergency substitute, it doesn't impart the same depth of flavour as gochujang. It's worth sourcing gochujang for its unique taste and authenticity in Korean cuisine.
3. Substitute for Brown Sugar: If you prefer, you can use brown granulated sweetener as a substitute for brown sugar. However, it's worth noting that brown granulated sweetener may not yield the same glossiness to the sauce as brown sugar.
4. Additional Vegetables: Feel free to customize the stew by adding other vegetables of your choice. Cabbage and courgette (zucchini) are great options that complement the flavours of the stew. However, you may need to add them later in the slow cooker process to avoid overcooking. Simply add them during the last hour of cooking to ensure they retain their texture and flavour.
5. Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of the stew according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang used. You can also add a pinch of Gochugaru, Korean chilli powder, for extra heat. Simply sprinkle it in during cooking or adjust to taste before serving.

By exploring these variations and substitutes, you can tailor the stew to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, while still enjoying the bold and delicious flavours of Korean cuisine.

Side Suggestions

Wondering what to pair with this delicious Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew? Here are some of my suggestions:

• Sticky White Rice: Serve the Korean Chicken Stew with a side of steamed sticky white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The soft and fluffy texture of the rice complements the hearty stew perfectly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Kimchi: Add a side of tangy and spicy kimchi for a burst of flavour and freshness. The fermented cabbage and vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savoury stew, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Additional Vegetables: Pair the stew with a variety of additional vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, green beans, or stir-fried bean sprouts. These vegetables offer a range of textures and flavours, adding depth and nutrition to the meal.
• Pickled Radish: Serve pickled radish on the side for a refreshing palate cleanser. The crunchy and tangy radish provides a zesty contrast to the bold flavours of the stew, adding a burst of brightness to each bite.

Note: While these are more traditional suggested sides, feel free to choose to serve with a more non-traditional side if you like. Get creative and tailor the meal to your personal preferences!

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