Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

A hearty, spicy, and savory Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew) is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal for guests, this dish stands out with its rich flavors and comforting ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a delightful broth. Best served with steaming rice, this stew will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of gochujang and soy sauce creates a deliciously spicy and savory taste that satisfies your cravings.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides for a balanced meal.
• Simple Ingredients: You can easily find all the ingredients at your local grocery store, ensuring convenience without compromising flavor.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild heat level and hearty components, this stew is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Dakbokkeumtang efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Small bowl
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Perfect for simmering the chicken and vegetables evenly while allowing enough space for the ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables and chicken, enhancing cooking efficiency.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, promoting even cooking of the stew.

Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (chopped into quarters)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 carrot (chopped)
• 4 small russet potatoes (or yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into quarters)

Broth Components

• 3 cups chicken stock (or water)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 green onion (chopped into 1-inch long pieces)

Seasonings

• 3 tbsp gochujang
• 3 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 3 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

How to Make Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and fry them until they become translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Once the onions are ready, add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot. Brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Next, toss in the chopped potatoes and carrots into the pot. Cook them together with the chicken for about 1-2 minutes to combine their flavors.

Step 5: Combine with Broth

Pour in the chicken stock along with the prepared sauce from Step 1. Cover with a lid and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. After boiling, reduce to low-medium heat to maintain a rolling simmer.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once done, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Easy Dakbokkeumtang with steamed rice!

How to Serve Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

Easy Dakbokkeumtang is not just a delicious dish; it’s also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways that will enhance your meal experience. Here are some great serving suggestions.

With Steamed Rice

• Pair your dakbokkeumtang with fluffy steamed rice to soak up the rich, spicy broth. This combination makes for a hearty meal.

Over Noodles

• Serve the stew over your favorite noodles, such as udon or ramen, for a comforting twist on traditional Korean flavors.

With Kimchi

• Add a side of kimchi for a tangy crunch that complements the spiciness of the chicken stew perfectly.

Fresh Salad

• A light cucumber or mixed green salad can balance the richness of dakbokkeumtang, providing a refreshing contrast.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Include pickled radishes or other pickled vegetables on the side to enhance flavors and add a bit of acidity.

How to Perfect Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

To make your Easy Dakbokkeumtang truly shine, consider these helpful tips. These insights will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, boneless chicken thighs ensures tenderness and enhances overall flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the gochujang or add more sugar to balance the spice.
• Cut Veggies Evenly: Ensure potatoes and carrots are cut into similar sizes for even cooking and texture.
• Use Homemade Stock: For richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of water; it makes a noticeable difference.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling too aggressively; simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the green onions as they provide freshness and visual appeal to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

Pairing side dishes with Easy Dakbokkeumtang can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the stew beautifully.

1. Kimchi Fried Rice – A flavorful mix of fried rice with kimchi that adds an extra punch to your meal.
2. Korean Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad with a hint of sweetness that balances out the spice in the stew.
3. Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with sesame oil provides a healthy and vibrant side.
4. Miso Soup – A warm miso soup adds depth and is perfect for sipping alongside your dakbokkeumtang.
5. Seaweed Salad – The umami flavors of seaweed salad enhance your dining experience with its unique texture.
6. Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetables make for delightful bites next to your stew.
7. Cucumber Pickles – Refreshing pickled cucumbers offer a crisp contrast that pairs well with savory dishes.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn brings out additional sweetness and complements the spice perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew) can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality chicken or outdated spices can ruin the stew’s flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it tough and dry. Aim for just the right cooking time to keep it juicy.
• Skipping the sauce mix: Not combining the sauce ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Mixing them in a bowl ensures every bite is delicious.
• Using too much water: Adding excessive water can dilute the flavors. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken stock for a rich stew.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping green onions may make your dish look less appealing. A simple garnish adds color and freshness to your meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew) that may help you.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have gochujang?

You can substitute with chili paste or sriracha, but the flavor will vary slightly.

How spicy is Easy Dakbokkeumtang?

The spiciness level depends on how much gochujang you add. Start with less if you prefer a milder stew.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew) is not only quick and simple but also incredibly satisfying and customizable. You can adjust the spice levels and add your favorite vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and savor this delightful dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Chicken Stew), a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a spicy-sweet broth, this stew is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or your favorite noodles, making it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, this Korean chicken stew is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 large onion
• 1 carrot
• 4 small russet potatoes
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3 tbsp gochujang
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil; set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent.
3. Add chopped chicken thighs and brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Toss in the chopped potatoes and carrots; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken stock and add the prepared sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Garnish with green onions before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg