Korean Spicy Chicken Stew

Korean Spicy Chicken Stew (Dakdoritang 닭도리탕) represents the heartier side of Korean cuisine, where chunks of tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce until the flavors meld into something truly extraordinary. This beloved stew, also known as dakbokkeumtang (닭볶음탕), has long been a favorite for family gatherings and casual restaurants alike, where the communal nature of sharing a bubbling pot of stew brings people together. The dish exemplifies the Korean love for bold, complex flavors and the importance of sharing food as a social experience.

What makes dakdoritang particularly special is its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth. The combination of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and gochujang (red pepper paste) creates layers of spiciness that are tempered by the natural sweetness of carrots and potatoes, while the chicken absorbs these flavors as it becomes fork-tender. This stew showcases the Korean culinary principle of finding harmony between different tastes and textures within a single dish.

In modern Korean dining, dakdoritang continues to evolve while maintaining its status as a beloved comfort food. Whether served in traditional Korean households, busy restaurants, or trendy urban eateries, this spicy chicken stew remains a go-to dish for those seeking a satisfying, warming meal. Its popularity has spread beyond Korea's borders, introducing international diners to the complex flavors of Korean stew-making traditions.

I've recently been using an Instant Pot pressure cooker for this recipe as it cuts the time down to less than 30 minutes, as shown in the recipe, but you can still prepare it in a regular pot. Just add 30 minutes to the cook time and keep covered.I love how so many Korean stews and soups can easily be made in an Instant Pot taking less than half the normal time it takes. Try it out and you wont regret it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich, complex flavors

• One-pot meal convenience

• Perfect for sharing

• Customizable spice level

• Makes great leftovers

• Hearty and satisfying

What is Dakdoritang?

Korean Spicy Chicken Stew, Dakdoritang (닭도리탕) is a spicy Korean chicken stew where chunks of chicken are braised with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a sauce that balances gochugaru and gochujang with soy sauce and other seasonings.

My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:

• Sempio Soy Sauce
• Kadoya Sesame Oil
• Shirakiku Roasted Sesame Seeds
• Taekyung Korean Chili Flakes
• Kikkoman Aji Mirin

Need help with what ingredients to stock? Check out My Essential Korean Pantry article. This article describes each essential ingredient with links to where you can buy them easily!