Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew – Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hi I'm Melany

Everyday Culinary Delights????‍????

Posted on December 2, 2025

As I stirred the pot, the aroma of sesame and garlic began to drift through my kitchen, immediately transporting me to a cozy Seoul street market. This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is a celebration of flavors and textures that warms the soul. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots into a rich sauce brightened by gochujang. Not only does it offer a hands-off cooking experience, but it’s also a healthy choice that’s gluten-free and low-calorie without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of jasmine rice or pairing it with crusty bread, this comforting meal is sure to impress. Ready to uncover the secret to effortless Korean comfort food? Let’s dive in!

Why is This Stew a Game-Changer?

Effortless Cooking: Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you tackle your day.

Flavor Explosion: Expect a vibrant mix of flavors from gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic, creating a rich, savory dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Healthy and Hearty: With gluten-free and low-calorie options, it’s a winner for those watching their diet without skimping on satisfaction.

Versatile Variations: Customize with a vegetarian twist or add your favorite veggies for an even heartier stew, making it perfect for everyone at the table. You might also enjoy pairing it with sides like Cheesy Chicken Avocado for an extra comforting meal.

Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal on busier days, ensuring you always have a warm, comforting option ready to go!

Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Ingredients

For the Stew
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Provides a juicy, tender base; chicken breasts may be used but could lead to less moisture.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; use shallots for a milder flavor.
Carrot – Contributes natural sweetness and texture; frozen carrots can be used for convenience.
Mushrooms – Introduce earthiness; replace with any variety of mushrooms depending on preference.
Minced Garlic – Elevates flavor with a punch; fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can serve in a pinch.
Gochujang – Core seasoning providing heat and depth; opt for the thick, authentic variety, preferably from Korea.
Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar – Balances out heat and adds sweetness; honey or coconut sugar can be substituted.
Sesame Oil – Contributes nuttiness; a key flavor in Korean cooking that should be kept if possible.
Chicken Stock – Forms the stewing liquid; use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Spring Onions – For garnishing, adding freshness; can substitute with chopped chives if needed.
Cornstarch – Thickens the stew; vital for achieving the right texture, arrowroot powder can serve as a substitute.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add all the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew, except for the spring onions, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Ensure you use a good-quality chicken stock to enrich the flavor profile. This creates a colorful medley featuring chicken thighs, mushrooms, carrots, and aromatic spices that will come together as they cook.

Step 2: Stir Thoroughly
Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the gochujang and sesame oil are evenly distributed throughout. As you mix, the vibrant colors will blend beautifully, hinting at the flavorful stew to come. This crucial step guarantees that each bite will be packed with that delightful Korean seasoning.

Step 3: Set Cooking Temperature
Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. The longer cooking time allows the chicken thighs to become incredibly tender, easily shredding with a fork once they are fully cooked. The stew should bubble gently, filling your kitchen with its enticing aroma.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew
During the final hour on high or the last two hours on low, combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew to thicken the sauce, which will transition from a liquid to a beautifully rich consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has a luscious sheen and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Season to Taste
Just before serving, taste your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. This final touch allows you to achieve the perfect flavor balance according to your preference, enhancing the rich, spicy, and slightly sweet notes of the dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the stew is done, ladle it into bowls and generously sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for a fresh crunch. The vibrant green complements the warm, hearty stew beautifully, making it visually appealing. Serve hot and experience the comforting flavors, perfectly suited to warm soothing dinners.

Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this stew to your taste and dietary needs!

Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with beans and a mix of your favorite veggies for a hearty and satisfying dish. You can add things like carrots and zucchini to maintain that beautiful texture and flavor.
Oven Adaptation: For those who prefer the stovetop, use a Dutch oven to simmer your stew, adjusting cooking time accordingly for that rich, comforting flavor.
Heat Levels: Modify the gochujang to suit your spice preference, or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. A little more heat can make the flavors pop even more!
Hearty Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious lift, making this dish colorfully vibrant and fulfilling.
Dairy-Free Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamier base while keeping it dairy-free. It pairs nicely with the spices for a unique twist.
Noodle Fusion: For a heartier meal, serve your stew over rice noodles or quinoa. This is a fun way to mix cultures and elevate the dish!
Make it Sweet: Swap out some brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different take on sweetness that beautifully balances the heat.
Flavor Burst: Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors and offer a fresh contrast to the rich, umami stew.

Each of these variations adds its own unique charm to this already delightful recipe. If you’re in the mood to explore more delicious options, consider trying the Sweet Sticky Chicken or the comforting Garlic Chicken Gnocchi!

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Choose Chicken Wisely: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for maximum juiciness. Thighs hold up better in slow cooking, ensuring a tender outcome.
Authentic Gochujang: Use a thick, authentic gochujang for the best flavor. Avoid cheaper, thin sauces that can diminish the rich taste of your stew.
Proper Thickening: When mixing cornstarch with water, ensure it’s smooth before adding it into the stew. This avoids clumps and achieves that perfect texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of gochujang based on your desired heat level. You can even start with a smaller amount, tasting as you go.
Experiment with Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier stew. These additions enhance the nutritional value while adding vibrant colors.
Storage Savvy: This Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months, perfect for future quick meals.

How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Fridge: Keep leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick reheating on busy days!

Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain flavor and texture.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and enjoy the comforting flavors of your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew!

Portioning: Consider portioning the stew into smaller containers before freezing for easy meal prep and quick meals throughout the week.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew

Cozy up your dinner table by pairing this warming, flavor-packed stew with heartfelt sides that elevate the entire meal.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, fragrant rice soaks up all the savory juices from the stew, making every bite feel complete and satisfying.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich sauce, crusty bread adds a delightful texture contrast that enhances the overall experience.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed with garlic, this fresh vegetable side offers a crunchy texture and a subtle bitterness that balances the stew’s richness.
Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers dressed in sesame oil and vinegar cuts through the stew’s warmth, adding a refreshing contrast.
Kimchi: The spicy fermented cabbage brings a zesty flavor that complements the stew’s umami profile, providing an authentic Korean touch to your meal.
Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweet, caramelized flavor paired with a bit of heat creates a delicious side that pairs beautifully with the comforting elements of the stew.
Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup filled with umami flavors can provide a lovely start to your meal, preparing the palate for the delicious chicken stew to follow.

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can chop the vegetables and combine the main ingredients (except spring onions, cornstarch, and seasoning) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This way, you’ll save time on hectic weeknights—just toss everything into your slow cooker when you’re ready. If you want to prep even further, the fully cooked stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To finish, simply reheat the stew on low heat and mix in the cornstarch slurry to thicken before serving, ensuring a comforting and delicious meal without any extra stress!

Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for this stew?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs. They remain juicy and tender during the slow cooking process, preventing the dryness often associated with chicken breasts. If you must use breasts, consider marinating them beforehand to help retain moisture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Leftover Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to ensure maximum freshness!

Can I freeze this stew? What’s the process?
Absolutely! After letting the stew cool entirely, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since the stew will expand as it freezes. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

What if my stew is too thin after cooking?
No problem! If you find your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Stew is too thin, you can thicken it easily. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the stew. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes with the lid on to allow it to thicken properly.

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Definitely! This recipe is gluten-free friendly when using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. As for dairy, it’s dairy-free as well. Always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure they match your dietary preferences and consult with a medical professional if you have specific allergies.

How can I adjust the spice level in the stew?
Very easily! If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of gochujang—about half the recommended quantity. Taste during the cooking process and add more as desired. On the flip side, if you’re a spice lover, feel free to add additional gochujang or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick!