KOREAN SPICY CHICKEN STEW
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a hearty, warming dish that’s full of flavor and comfort. If you’re looking for something spicy, satisfying, and deeply nourishing, Korean Spicy Chicken Stew, also known as Daktoritang (닭도리탕), is the perfect choice. This dish is a popular staple in many Korean households, known for its rich, fiery broth, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables that soak up all the flavorful heat. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings warmth to the soul and the stomach.
In this post, we'll dive into what makes Daktoritang so special, its key ingredients, and how you can customize it to suit your preferences.
What is Korean Spicy Chicken Stew (Daktoritang)?
Daktoritang is a spicy chicken stew that’s simmered until the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are soft and infused with the stew’s bold flavors. The base of this dish is a bright red, fiery broth made with Korean chili paste (gochujang) and chili flakes (gochugaru), which deliver a signature spicy and slightly sweet kick. Traditionally, Daktoritang is made with bone-in chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something comforting with a bit of heat. It’s also easy to adjust the spice level, making it suitable for everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients for Korean Spicy Chicken Stew
- Chicken: Traditionally, bone-in chicken pieces are used, such as drumsticks or thighs, for added flavor and richness. The bones release their natural juices, creating a more robust broth, but boneless chicken can also be used for convenience.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): This fermented chili paste is key to the stew’s deep red color and spicy-sweet flavor. It brings complexity and a touch of umami to the dish.
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): These chili flakes add heat and enhance the color of the stew. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, balancing the heat from the chili paste.
- Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that elevate the flavor, adding depth and warmth.
- Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and onions are traditional, but feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the spicy and savory elements, highlighting the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Sesame Oil & Green Onions: These are added at the end for a fragrant finish.
Substitutions and Adjustments
- Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, though the stew will lose some richness. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu and add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant.
- Gochujang: If you can't find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of sriracha and a little miso paste to mimic the heat and umami. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll be close.
- Gochugaru: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the gochugaru or omit it entirely for a milder stew. You can also use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in smaller quantities.
- Potatoes: For a lower-carb option, swap out the potatoes for turnips or cauliflower.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your gochujang and soy sauce are gluten-free, or use tamari as a soy sauce substitute.
Conclusion: Try It Tonight!
Korean Spicy Chicken Stew (Daktoritang) is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting meals. With its rich, spicy broth and tender chicken, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends and family. The best part? It’s versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ready to make your own Daktoritang? Head to your local Asian grocery store for the ingredients, or check online for authentic Korean products. Don’t forget to share your experience by tagging us when you try this recipe at home! Let us know how you make it your own in the comments below.
Craving more comforting Korean dishes with a twist? Follow @foods_ofli on Instagram for more cozy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home!
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This Korean Spicy Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort food, with its hearty broth, tender chicken, and fiery spices that will warm you from the inside out.
- 10 chicken wings
- 1 tsp salt (sea salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp smoke paprika
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 4 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup gochujang (red chili paste)
- 2 tbsp splenda (sugar alternative)
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (korean red chili flakes)
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion (large)
- 4 potatoes (yukon gold)
- 4 carrots (medium)
- 2 tomatoes (medium)
- 1 cilantro (bush)
- 4 scallions
- Marinating the chicken wings
Begin by marinating the chicken wings to infuse them with flavor. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, onion powder, turmeric, and smoked paprika, ensuring that each wing is evenly coated with the spices. This step not only seasons the chicken but also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a deliciously seasoned and tender chicken base for our Korean Spicy Chicken Stew.
The chicken wings can be substituted for chicken breast to reduce the amount of fat or chicken thigh for a boneless dish. - Searing the wings
While the wings are marinating, heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken wings to the pan. Sear the wings for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. This initial searing step helps to lock in the juices and adds depth of flavor to the chicken wings, enhancing the overall taste of our Korean Spicy Chicken Stew.
- Preparing the sauce
In a small bowl, prepare the spicy and flavorful sauce for our Korean Spicy Chicken Stew. Combine soy sauce, minced garlic, gochujang (Korean chili paste), Splenda (or sweetener of choice), and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) in the bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined, forming a thick and aromatic sauce. This sauce will serve as the backbone of our stew, infusing it with bold and spicy flavors that are characteristic of Korean cuisine. Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru according to your desired level of spiciness. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside and prepare to bring all the components together in our stew.
To make this gluten free, substitute the soy sauce for tamari sauce or coco aminos. - Beginning the stew
Now it's time to transform our seared chicken wings into a delectable Korean Spicy Chicken Stew. Begin by adding cups of chicken broth directly into the pan with the seared wings, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. Next, pour the prepared spicy sauce over the chicken and broth, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Gently mix everything to combine, ensuring that the wings are coated in the flavorful sauce. Once combined, reduce the heat to medium and let the stew simmer gently, allowing the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly. This simmering process will infuse the stew with richness and depth, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that's bursting with bold Korean flavors.
- Adding the vegetables
As the Korean Spicy Chicken Stew simmers away, it's time to prepare the hearty vegetables that will add depth and texture to our dish. Begin by cutting the onions, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks, ensuring they will hold their shape during the cooking process. Carefully add the onions, carrots, and potatoes into the pan, distributing them evenly around the chicken wings. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam and allow the vegetables to cook and soften, absorbing the flavorful broth and spices. Let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes. This step adds a comforting and hearty element to our Korean Spicy Chicken Stew, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal that's perfect for any occasion.
- Adding a refreshing touch
As the stew is simmering, it's time to introduce a refreshing element to the dish. Start by chopping the tomatoes into large chunks and the cilantro into small pieces. Then, after the 20 minutes, carefully add the tomatoes and cilantro into the pan, distributing them evenly among the other ingredients. The addition of tomatoes and cilantro not only adds a burst of freshness but also helps to counterbalance any potential oiliness in the stew, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile. Allow the stew to simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to reach the perfect level of tenderness.
The moment you've been waiting for has arrived - it's time to serve up our delicious Korean Spicy Chicken Stew! Before diving in, sprinkle the stew generously with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, adding a final burst of flavor and visual appeal. Then, ladle the steaming stew into bowls and serve alongside your choice of white or brown rice, allowing each spoonful to soak up the rich and spicy broth. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or a flavorful dinner party dish, this Korean Spicy Chicken Stew is sure to impress with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. So grab your chopsticks or spoon, dig in, and savor every spoonful of this irresistible culinary creation!
- Substitution: The chicken wings can be substituted for chicken breast to reduce the amount of fat or chicken thigh for a boneless dish.
- Gluten free: To make this gluten free, substitute the soy sauce for tamari sauce or coco aminos.
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Cooking Time: The stew typically simmers for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to absorb the spicy broth.
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Spice Level: If you’re serving this to a crowd with varying spice tolerance, you can serve additional gochujang on the side for those who like it spicier.
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Serving Suggestions: Daktoritang pairs perfectly with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with a side of kimchi for an extra burst of flavor.
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