[Recipe] Korean Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang)

Are you craving a hearty, spicy, and flavorful Korean dish? Dakbokkeumtang (Korean Spicy Braised Chicken) is a perfect comfort food that combines tender chicken with a rich, spicy-sweet sauce and hearty vegetables. This recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 800g)
100g glass noodles (dangmyeon)
3 potatoes
½ carrot
1–1.5 onions
3 chili peppers
1 green onion
5 cloves of garlic
200ml milk

Broth Ingredients:

Dried anchovies
Dried kelp
Shiitake mushrooms

Seasoning Sauce:

8–11 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
6 tbsp cooking syrup (or corn syrup)
½ minced onion
1 tbsp cooking wine
400–600ml water (or broth)
A pinch of black pepper
1 tbsp fish sauce
A bit of sesame oil (optional)

*Detailed measurements and product information are at the end of this post.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the glass noodles in water until softened.

2. Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing excess fat.

3. soak the chicken in milk for about 30 minutes to remove the gamey smell.

Tip: If you prefer, you can briefly blanch the chicken in boiling water, rinse it with cold water, and drain. However, soaking in milk alone results in a richer taste.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, cooking syrup, minced onion, cooking wine, fish sauce, and black pepper.

5. If you prefer a stronger umami flavor, reduce the soy sauce slightly and increase the fish sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

6. Place the chicken in a large pot and add the prepared sauce.

7. Pour in 600ml of broth (or 400ml of water if not using broth).

8. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

9. While the chicken is cooking, peel and cut the potatoes, carrots, and onions into large chunks.

10. After 15 minutes of boiling, add the potatoes and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30 minutes over medium heat.

Cut the green onion, chili peppers, and remaining vegetables.

Step 5: Final Touches

12. Once the chicken and potatoes are tender, add the rest of the vegetables.

13. Let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes.

14. If using glass noodles, either add them directly if well-soaked or briefly boil them before adding.

15. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil (optional) and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Adjustments

If cooking for more than 2 people, increase the ingredient amounts by 1.5 times instead of doubling.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until reduced.
Some restaurants add shrimp or squid for extra umami flavor—feel free to experiment!

This Dakbokkeumtang recipe brings authentic Korean flavors to your table. Serve it with a bowl of steamed rice and enjoy a delicious, spicy, and comforting meal.

Enjoy your cooking! 🍲