Korean Spicy Chicken Stew: Authentic Dakdoritang Recipe (닭도리탕)
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.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs cut into large pieces
- 2 medium potatoes chunked
- 2 medium carrots chunked
- 1 large onion(s) quartered
- 4 green onion(s) cut into 2 inch lengths
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger minced
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and mix well.
- In an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, combine chicken pieces with the sauce mixture.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour in water or broth, and close the lid.
- Cook on high presssure for 12 minutes. Let naturally release for 5 minutes then release remaining pressure.
- Once pressure is released, add green onions and continue cooking using the saute function until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Finish with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes for even cooking
- Adjust spice level to preference
- Don’t overcook the vegetables
- Allow stew to rest before serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:- Steamed rice
- Various banchan
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Cold beer or soju
- Additional gochugaru for extra heat
Variations
- Add mushrooms
- Include rice cakes (tteok)
- Add glass noodles
- Use chicken wings only
- Include perilla leaves
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves the next day. Reheat gently on stovetop.Nutrition
Find more great Nosh With David Recipes, including authentic Korean recipes like this one, at https://www.noshwithdavid.com/recipes/
Key ingredients from this recipe include:
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!
Spicy, hearty, delicious