What is creamy gochujang chicken stew
Creamy Gochujang Chicken Stew is a comforting fusion dish inspired by Korean flavors and Western slow-cooker comfort food. Gochujang provides depth, warmth, and color rather than intense heat, making it approachable for a wide audience. When combined with coconut milk or cream, the chili paste transforms into a smooth, savory sauce that coats tender chicken beautifully. This stew offers a balance of umami, sweetness, and gentle spice, resulting in a dish that feels both adventurous and familiar. It’s ideal for anyone curious about Korean flavors but looking for something comforting and easy to enjoy.
Why the slow cooker works so well
The slow cooker allows gochujang to mellow and deepen as it cooks, blending seamlessly with aromatics like garlic and ginger. Chicken becomes fall-apart tender without drying out, which is essential for a stew meant to be shredded and stirred back into the sauce. Because the heat is gentle and consistent, the flavors remain smooth rather than sharp. This hands-off method also makes the recipe perfect for busy days, as everything cooks together without constant monitoring.
Pro Tip 💡 :
“Start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang for mild heat and increase gradually.”
Creamy texture without overpowering spice
One of the biggest strengths of this recipe is its balance. Gochujang brings color and depth, while coconut milk or cream softens the chili paste and rounds out the flavor. The result is a creamy stew that feels rich but not heavy. Brown sugar or honey adds subtle sweetness, preventing bitterness and enhancing the natural savoriness of the dish. Even those sensitive to spice can enjoy this stew by adjusting the amount of gochujang used.
How to adjust heat and flavor
Gochujang Chicken Stew is very customizable. Reducing the gochujang keeps the dish mild, while adding an extra spoonful creates more warmth. Rice vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the creaminess, while sesame oil at the end adds a nutty finish. These small adjustments let cooks fine-tune the stew to their taste without changing the core recipe.
Best ways to serve this Gochujang Chicken Stew
Creamy Gochujang Chicken Stew pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, which soak up the sauce and make the dish even more satisfying. A simple cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables on the side add freshness and contrast. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds enhance both flavor and presentation, making Gochujang Chicken Stew feel complete and visually inviting.
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Is this stew good for meal prep
Creamy Gochujang Chicken Stew is especially well suited for meal prep because the flavors continue to deepen after cooking. As the stew rests, the gochujang, aromatics, and creamy base meld together, creating a richer and more cohesive taste by the next day.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Gochujang Chicken Stew keeps well for up to four days without losing texture or flavor. When reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, the chicken remains tender and the sauce stays smooth. The stew naturally thickens as it cools, which many people enjoy, but adding a small splash of broth or water while reheating easily restores the original consistency. This makes it ideal for make-ahead lunches, weeknight dinners, or batch cooking for busy weeks.
Can this recipe be made healthier
This recipe can be easily adjusted to fit a lighter or more health-focused eating style without sacrificing its comforting nature. Using light coconut milk or half-and-half instead of full-fat cream reduces overall fat while preserving creaminess. You can also slightly decrease the amount of added sugar or honey and rely more on the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Adding extra carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini increases fiber and volume, making the Gochujang Chicken Stew more filling without adding heaviness. Chicken provides a solid source of lean protein, helping keep the meal satisfying and balanced. With these simple swaps, the stew remains rich in flavor while becoming a nourishing option that works well for everyday meals.
Why this stew becomes a repeat favorite
Creamy Gochujang Chicken Stew becomes a repeat favorite because it delivers comfort and excitement in equal measure. The rich red-orange color and creamy texture make it feel indulgent and special, while the familiar base of slow-cooked chicken keeps it grounded and comforting. Gochujang adds depth and warmth without overwhelming heat, making the flavors bold yet approachable for a wide range of tastes.
This balance allows the Gochujang Chicken Stew to feel interesting the first time you make it, but dependable enough to crave again. It fits easily into everyday routines, whether served over rice for a cozy dinner or packed for leftovers during the week. Recipes that offer both novelty and familiarity tend to stick around, and this Gochujang Chicken Stew earns its place by being satisfying, versatile, and consistently comforting.
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Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Chicken Stew
- Total Time: about 7 hours
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
A cozy slow cooker stew with tender chicken and a creamy Korean-inspired sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts 1½ lb (680 g)
- Olive oil or neutral oil 1 tbsp
- Yellow onion finely chopped 1 medium
- Garlic cloves minced 4
- Fresh ginger grated 1 tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2–3 tbsp
- Low-sodium chicken broth 3½ cups (840 ml)
- Canned coconut milk or heavy cream 1 cup (240 ml)
- Soy sauce 1½ tbsp
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar or honey 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika ½ tsp
- Black pepper ½ tsp
- Carrots sliced 2 medium
- Red bell pepper sliced 1
- Cornstarch mixed with water 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp water (optional)
- Optional finish & toppings
Sesame oil 1 tsp - Green onions sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed rice or noodles
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
- Scatter onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell pepper over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, chicken broth, coconut milk or cream, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- If a thicker stew is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook on High for 10–15 minutes.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang for mild heat and increase gradually.
- For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or half-and-half.
- The stew thickens as it cools; add broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cook
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 430kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
Keywords: Gochujang Chicken Stew
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