Easy Korean Spicy Braised Chicken (Dakbokkeumtang) Recipe
Dakbokkeumtang is a hearty, spicy Korean braised chicken stew made with potatoes, onions, and a rich, spicy gochujang-based sauce. It is a spicy-sweet comfort food that is perfect for rice lovers!
If you love Korean BBQ and spicy flavors, you must try Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Braised Chicken). Unlike the dry stir-fry, this is a rich, thick stew that you'll want to soak up every last drop of sauce with a bowl of white rice.
Ingredients
Tip: Use a whole chicken cut into pieces or chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.
- Chicken: 1kg (approx. 2.2lbs), cut into serving pieces
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cut into large chunks
- Onion: 1 large, sliced
- Carrot: 1 medium, sliced
- Spicy Sauce Base:
- Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste): 3 tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes): 3 tbsp
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Minced Garlic: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ginger: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Liquid: 2 to 3 cups of water or chicken broth
- Garnish: Green onions and Toasted Sesame Seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Chicken
To ensure a clean flavor, place the chicken in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the chicken under cold water. This is the secret to a clean-tasting stew!
Step 2: Combine and Season
In the same pot, add the cleaned chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Pour in the entire spicy sauce mixture (Gochujang, Gochugaru, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Sugar, Ginger) and enough water/broth to just cover the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 25–30 minutes. The potatoes should become tender and the sauce should thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Final Garnish
Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly cooked, remove the lid and turn up the heat slightly to reduce the sauce to your desired thickness. Toss in chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot!
Expert Tips for Success
- The Potato Factor: Make sure your potato chunks are large enough so they don't turn into mush while the chicken cooks.
- The Spice Balance: If it's too spicy, add a little more sugar or a bit of corn syrup to mellow the heat.
- Extra Flavor: Adding a few slices of radish or extra onions will add natural sweetness to the broth.
