Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (닭도리탕, Dakdoritang)

Chelsea Jul 26, 2025

Welcome back to Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes! Today we’re making a bold and cozy Korean classic — Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (닭도리탕, Dakdoritang).

This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, spicy-sweet gochujang broth. It’s warming, satisfying, and full of deep Korean flavors — perfect for cooler days or anytime you crave a comforting stew with a kick.

🍗 Ingredients

Main

  • 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
    or ~1 kg chicken drumsticks/thighs
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled & chunked
  • 1 carrot, thick-sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (garnish)
  • 4 cups water or chicken stock

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken into pieces (if using whole).
Rinse under cold water and drain well.

2️⃣ Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine:
gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and mirin.
Adjust spice level to preference.

3️⃣ Start the Stew

Add chicken to a pot with 4 cups water or stock.
Bring to a boil and skim off foam.

4️⃣ Add Sauce & Veggies

Stir in sauce until chicken is coated.
Add potatoes, carrot, and onion.
Lower heat and simmer 30–40 minutes
until chicken is tender and veggies are soft.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust salt & pepper.
Top with chopped green onions.
Serve hot with steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth 🍚🔥

💡 Tips for Perfect Dakdoritang

  • Reduce or increase gochugaru for milder/spicier stew
  • Longer simmer = deeper flavor (even better next day!)
  • Add mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potato for variation
  • For extra kick, toss in fresh chili pepper 🌶️

Dakdoritang is bold, warming, and deeply satisfying — tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich gochujang broth that makes every spoonful irresistible.

Thanks for cooking with me on Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes — see you next time for more delicious Korean comfort food! 🇰🇷✨