Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim

Spicy Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim Recipe

Love At First Bite

When I first moved to Seoul for work, the bustling city life was a whirlwind of new experiences. Amidst the chaos of adjusting to a new culture, there was one thing that instantly made me feel at home: the food. Korean cuisine, with its rich flavors and comforting warmth, quickly became a source of solace during my early days in the city. One dish that particularly stood out was Dakjim, a spicy braised chicken dish that I often enjoyed at a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant tucked away in a narrow alley near my apartment.

The first time I tasted Dakjim, it was love at first bite. The tender chicken, soaked in a rich, spicy sauce, paired with soft, flavorful potatoes and carrots, was the epitome of comfort food. The depth of flavors in each bite was a revelation—spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive. I found myself returning to that little restaurant whenever I needed a taste of something familiar and comforting.

How to Make Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim

After moving back home, I craved that dish but found it challenging to replicate the same depth of flavor in my kitchen. That’s when I decided to adapt the recipe to my slow cooker. The slow cooking process allowed the chicken and vegetables to absorb the spices fully, resulting in a dish that was just as flavorful and comforting as the one I remembered from Seoul. This Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim has now become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that brings back fond memories of my time in Korea and the comfort it provided during those early, sometimes overwhelming, days.

What I love most about this Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and the slow cooker does all the hard work, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Serve it with steamed rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming, just like the best of Korean comfort food.

Chef’s Notes – Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim

• Maximize Flavor: For the best results, marinate the chicken and vegetables overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and vegetables fully.
• Slow Cooker Layering: When placing the ingredients in the slow cooker, start with the potatoes and carrots at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly without becoming too mushy.
• Spice Adjustment: If you’re new to Korean cuisine or sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of Gochujang and Gochugaru, and adjust to taste after cooking.
• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Dakjim with steamed rice or a side of kimchi for a complete and authentic Korean meal experience. Try it out with this authentic Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice.
• Garnishing: Don’t skip the garnish! The fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the rich dish.

Spicy Korean Braised Chicken and Potatoes

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

Calories

538

kcal

Total time

4

hours 

20

minutes

Dive into the rich, bold flavors of Spicy Korean Braised Chicken and Potatoes! This slow-cooked delight combines tender chicken thighs with hearty potatoes and carrots, all enveloped in a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and comforting warmth. Inspired by traditional Korean cuisine, it’s a must-try for any food lover!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs cleaned and cut into medium pieces

• 1.5 pounds potatoes peeled and chopped into medium chunks

• 1 large carrot peeled and sliced into medium pieces

• 1 large onion peeled and diced into medium pieces

• 3 tablespoons Korean chili paste (Gochujang)

• 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice wine

• 1 tablespoon raw sugar

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

• 2 stalks green onions thinly sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling

Directions

• Preparation – Clean and cut the chicken thighs into medium pieces. Peel and chop the potatoes into medium chunks. Slice the carrot and dice the onion into medium pieces.
• Mixing the Sauce – In a bowl, combine the Korean chili paste (Gochujang), Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru), soy sauce, rice wine, raw sugar, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and ginger powder. Stir well until fully mixed.
• Marinating – Place the chicken and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over them and mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
• Slow Cooking – Transfer the marinated chicken and vegetables to a slow cooker. Arrange the potatoes and carrots at the bottom followed by the chicken and onions on top to ensure even cooking. Cover with the lid.
• Cooking Time – Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for about 4 hours. Check the doneness of the chicken and vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy.
• Finishing Touches – Once cooked, gently mix the contents with a large spoon to ensure even distribution of flavors. Serve in bowls garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• slow cooker
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 538kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Potassium: 1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 40mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 15mg

• 

  Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice

  Cooks in 20 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Dive into the flavors of Korea with this easy and delicious Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice! Perfect for a quick meal, this dish combines the tangy taste of kimchi with the rich flavors of gochujang and sesame oil. It’s a beloved staple in Korean households and can be customized with your favorite proteins. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to impress!

  Cuisine: Korean

FAQs – Spicy Slow Cooker Dakjim