The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—tender chicken slow-cooked in a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and fiery sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s bold, balanced, and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With only 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Serve it however your cravings strike—spooned into fresh lettuce wraps, piled over fluffy white rice, or tucked inside warm tortillas. However you choose to enjoy it, this versatile dish delivers a full punch of Korean flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
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1/3 cup brown sugar (or Stevia, maple syrup, or honey)
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1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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10 cloves garlic, whole
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1/2 red onion, diced
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2 jalapeños, diced
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1 tbsp gochujang (or sambal oelek, or Sriracha, to taste)
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1 tbsp fresh ginger root, grated
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, red onion, jalapeños, gochujang, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds.
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Place the chopped chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
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During the final 30 minutes, remove the lid to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken. Optional: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir into the slow cooker for an even thicker sauce.
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Serve hot with rice, lettuce wraps, or in tacos.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes
Kcal: 264 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comforting Bowl of Flavor: Slow Cooker Korean Chicken
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding recipes that are both effortless and bursting with flavor is like striking gold. That’s where Slow Cooker Korean Chicken enters the culinary stage — a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in a low-maintenance, high-reward fashion.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in kitchens everywhere for its bold flavor profile, hands-off cooking process, and remarkable versatility. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this dish adapts beautifully to your needs and never disappoints.
The Allure of Korean-Inspired Cooking
Korean cuisine has gained international popularity for its rich, vibrant, and bold flavors. Traditionally, Korean dishes highlight the umami depth of fermented ingredients like gochujang and soy sauce, layered with garlic, ginger, and chili. The Slow Cooker Korean Chicken taps into these iconic flavors in a more accessible way — without needing to hunt down hard-to-find ingredients or spend hours over the stove.
What makes this dish shine is its use of gochujang or chili paste as the base of the sauce. Combined with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar or maple syrup, the resulting flavor is a robust and complex profile that captures the essence of Korean home cooking — made achievable for any home cook.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker is a blessing for busy individuals and families alike. It allows the flavors to develop deeply over time, tenderizes meat perfectly, and gives you the freedom to “set it and forget it.” For this particular recipe, using both chicken thighs and breasts provides the ideal combination of flavor and lean protein. The thighs infuse the dish with richness and moisture, while the breasts keep it lighter and protein-packed.
When cooked slowly over several hours, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically shredding itself when you stir it. Meanwhile, the sauce thickens slightly and concentrates into a luscious glaze that coats every bite.
This method also brings an additional benefit: the aroma that fills your kitchen as the chicken simmers away is nothing short of mouthwatering. Coming home to that rich, savory scent is the definition of comfort.
A Dish That’s Incredibly Versatile
Another reason this dish has earned a permanent spot in so many home kitchens is its versatility. While it’s fantastic served straight over a steaming bowl of jasmine or brown rice, that’s just the beginning of what you can do with it.
Here are a few creative ways to enjoy your Slow Cooker Korean Chicken:
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Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb or paleo-friendly meal, wrap the chicken in butter lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, cucumber, and sesame seeds.
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Asian tacos: Serve the shredded chicken in corn tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an unforgettable fusion taco night.
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Rice or noodle bowls: Build a hearty bowl with steamed rice or soba noodles, and pile on edamame, cabbage, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of green onions.
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Spring rolls: Add it to fresh spring rolls with rice noodles, herbs, and crunchy veggies for a refreshing lunch option.
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Salads: Use it as the protein component in a chopped Asian salad with cabbage, snow peas, and sesame vinaigrette.
This versatility means you can make one big batch and enjoy it in multiple ways throughout the week. It’s an ideal option for meal prepping, helping you reduce waste and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly with Adjustable Spice Levels
Despite its bold flavors, this recipe can be easily customized to suit different spice preferences. If you’re cooking for children or people who are sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or chili paste, or even serve the spicy components on the side. The sweetness from the brown sugar balances the heat well, making it a gentle introduction to Korean flavors for picky eaters.
On the other hand, if you love spice, feel free to turn up the heat. Add more gochujang, fresh chili, or even a splash of sriracha to kick things up a notch.
Meal Prep Friendly and Time-Saving
With only 10 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish is tailor-made for busy schedules. Simply combine the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker take over. After a few hours, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
It also stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. In fact, many home cooks say the flavors get even better the next day, once everything has had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container, and you’ll have flavorful meals for days to come.
Nutritional Balance
For those looking to maintain a healthy diet, Slow Cooker Korean Chicken is a solid choice. It’s high in protein (around 32 grams per serving), relatively low in fat, and comes in at approximately 264 calories per serving — making it suitable for a range of dietary goals, from weight loss to muscle building.
Using low-sodium soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative like tamari can help you control sodium intake, while using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar keeps it clean-eating friendly.
Pair it with steamed vegetables or a whole grain base to round out your meal with fiber and nutrients.
Party-Worthy and Crowd-Pleasing
Planning a dinner party or casual gathering? This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it buffet-style with rice, slaw, lettuce wraps, and a variety of toppings, and let guests build their own bowls or wraps. It’s interactive, fun, and gives everyone the chance to customize their plate to their liking.
Best of all, the slow cooker keeps the chicken warm throughout your gathering, meaning you can enjoy your company without needing to babysit the stove.
Flavor Customization and Add-Ons
If you like to play with flavors, this recipe offers ample room for experimentation. Try adding:
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Sesame oil: A few teaspoons stirred into the sauce gives it a nutty aroma and richer flavor.
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Chinese five-spice: For a deeper, more aromatic profile.
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Fresh herbs: Garnish with cilantro, mint, or Thai basil for a refreshing contrast.
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Scallions or chives: Add them raw at the end for a bit of crunch and sharpness.
You can even adapt the recipe for the Instant Pot. Just sear the chicken first, add the sauce, and pressure cook for 15 minutes with a natural release. It’s a faster method with equally delicious results.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Korean Chicken is everything we crave in a modern, home-cooked meal — it’s full of bold flavors, incredibly easy to make, healthy without compromising on taste, and flexible enough to serve in a dozen creative ways.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking to simplify weeknight dinners, or just a food enthusiast exploring global cuisine from your kitchen, this dish ticks all the boxes. From the tender chicken to the flavorful sauce and endless serving possibilities, it’s a recipe that delivers big rewards with minimal effort.