This dish is a perfect combination of tender, flavorful chicken with the tangy kick of Korean BBQ sauce. The slow-cooking method ensures that each bite is juicy and full of umami, and the added toppings of sesame seeds, green onions, and optional kimchi elevate the flavors even further.
For a complete meal, serve these BBQ chicken bowls over fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli. The slight spice from the gochujang balances beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory depth of sesame oil. This dish is a delicious, hands-off meal that makes the most of your slow cooker and is sure to be a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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3 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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2 green onions, chopped
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Cooked rice, for serving
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Steamed broccoli (optional)
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Kimchi (optional)
Directions:
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and gochujang. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
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If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of cooked rice, and top with sesame seeds, green onions, steamed broccoli, and kimchi, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (slow cook) / Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal / Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls
When it comes to comfort food that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor, the Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls truly shine. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all wrapped up in tender, slow-cooked chicken. It’s a one-pot wonder that not only saves you time in the kitchen but also delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Slow cookers are one of the best kitchen tools to have on hand, especially for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal without spending too much time actively cooking. The beauty of slow cooking is that it lets you set everything up and leave it to work its magic. In this recipe, the chicken absorbs the rich, tangy flavors of the Korean BBQ sauce, becoming so tender that it shreds effortlessly with a fork. It’s then served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with delicious garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, and even kimchi, creating the ultimate Asian-inspired bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why:
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Minimal Prep Time: The prep is quick and easy, and the slow cooker does most of the work. You just have to throw everything in the pot and let it cook.
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Incredible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) creates a complex, mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
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Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang. If you’re not a fan of kimchi, you can easily skip it or replace it with another vegetable topping of your choice.
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Healthy and Balanced: This recipe offers a balanced meal with lean protein, healthy fats from sesame oil, and the option to add veggies like steamed broccoli for a boost of nutrients.
The Versatility of the Slow Cooker
One of the best aspects of using a slow cooker is its versatility. It allows you to transform even the simplest ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal effort. In the case of this Korean BBQ Chicken, the slow cooker is ideal for allowing the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors of the marinade, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe ensures that you don’t have to stand over a hot stove.
The slow cooker also does a wonderful job of infusing flavors deeply into the chicken. While stovetop cooking can sometimes leave some ingredients underdeveloped, slow cooking gives the chicken time to marinate in its own juices and the flavorful sauce. This results in a rich, savory dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls
The beauty of Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls lies in their versatility when it comes to serving. While the chicken and sauce are the main event, you can easily customize your bowls to suit your tastes.
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Rice: The base of the bowl is typically white rice, but brown rice or cauliflower rice also work wonderfully for a healthier alternative. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience.
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Vegetables: Steamed vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or even sautéed spinach, complement the rich flavors of the chicken. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, consider adding pickled vegetables or kimchi to bring a tangy, crunchy contrast.
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Toppings: Top the bowl with fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and even a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra boost of flavor. For a spicy kick, add a bit more gochujang or sliced jalapeños.
You can serve this dish family-style, letting everyone assemble their bowls with their choice of toppings, or make individual servings with everything pre-arranged.
Tips for Making the Best Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls turn out perfectly every time:
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Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, but if you prefer a slightly juicier option, chicken thighs are a great choice.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can lead to dry meat, even when using a slow cooker. Be sure to monitor the cooking time, and remember that the chicken should be cooked until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the brown sugar. For more heat, add more gochujang. Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and tweak it until it’s just right.
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Add Cornstarch for Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce to coat your chicken, you can mix in a little cornstarch towards the end of the cooking process. This will help thicken the sauce without changing its flavor.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep or make dishes ahead of time, Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls are an ideal choice. The recipe is easy to double, and the slow cooker works its magic on larger portions with no additional effort from you. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
To keep your bowls fresh, store the chicken and rice separately, then reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy. You can even freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and serve with freshly cooked rice and your favorite toppings.
Conclusion: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls offer a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or planning for meal prep, this dish delivers on all fronts. The tender, savory chicken combined with the satisfying rice and fresh toppings creates a complete, balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the slow cooker ensures that you get all of the delicious flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe in any busy home kitchen.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, give these Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls a try. It’s a dish that will bring joy to your taste buds and make your busy days a whole lot easier.