If you love bold, rich, and spicy flavors, this **Spicy Braised Chicken** recipe is a game-changer! Known as *Dakbokkeumtang* (or *Jjimdak* in some regions), this Korean-inspired dish features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful, spicy-sweet sauce with vegetables. π₯π§
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish guarantees satisfaction. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals! πΆ️π₯
π Table of Contents
π Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
**Main Ingredients:**
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 2 lbs of chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, for extra heat!)
**Spicy Braising Sauce:**
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) πΆ️
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) πΆ️
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp black pepper
πͺ Preparation Steps
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients properly.
✅ **Step 1: Prep the Chicken**
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water. To remove excess fat and impurities, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
✅ **Step 2: Chop the Vegetables**
Cut potatoes, carrots, and onions into bite-sized chunks. Mince garlic and slice green onions.
✅ **Step 3: Make the Spicy Sauce**
In a bowl, mix gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and chicken broth.
π₯ Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s bring everything together and start cooking!
✅ **Step 1: SautΓ© the Aromatics**
Heat a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and sautΓ© garlic and onions until fragrant.
✅ **Step 2: Brown the Chicken**
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
✅ **Step 3: Simmer with Sauce**
Pour in the spicy braising sauce and bring it to a simmer.
✅ **Step 4: Add Vegetables & Cook**
Add potatoes, carrots, and red chili (if using). Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender.
✅ **Step 5: Garnish & Serve**
Stir in green onions and serve hot with steamed rice! π
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes! Reduce the gochugaru and gochujang or add more sugar.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time since boneless chicken cooks faster.
π₯ Enjoy your **Spicy Braised Chicken** and become a kitchen hero! ππ₯
π‘ Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
Want to take your spicy braised chicken to the next level? Here are some expert tips! π
✅ **Marinate for Deeper Flavor** – If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
✅ **Use Bone-in Chicken** – Bone-in pieces add richness to the broth and keep the meat juicy. π
✅ **Simmer Slowly** – The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor gets. Cook on low heat for maximum taste!
✅ **Balance the Spice** – If it’s too spicy, add a little honey or extra broth to mellow it out.
π Tasty Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of this recipe:
πΉ **Sweet & Spicy Version** – Add a little more honey or brown sugar for a sweet kick.
πΉ **Extra Hearty** – Toss in some mushrooms, rice cakes (*tteok*), or glass noodles (*dangmyeon*) for extra texture.
πΉ **Mild Version** – Reduce the gochugaru and gochujang, and add more soy sauce and broth for a milder taste.
π₯ Spicy Level Adjustments
| Spice Level | Gochugaru (Chili Flakes) | Gochujang (Chili Paste) | Sugar/Honey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | 1/2 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
| Medium | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 1 tbsp |
| Spicy | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 1/2 tbsp |
Adjust these measurements based on your spice tolerance! π₯
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! The flavors get even better the next day. Just reheat on low heat before serving. π²
Q: What’s the best side dish for this?
A: Steamed rice, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad pairs beautifully with this dish. π
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Q: How do I make it even spicier?
A: Add extra gochugaru, fresh chili peppers, or a splash of chili oil. πΆ️π₯
Q: Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Use the sautΓ© function for the aromatics, then pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have gochujang?
A: You can substitute with a mix of sriracha and miso paste for a similar depth of flavor.
π₯ Now you're ready to make **the best Spicy Braised Chicken ever!** Time to grab your ingredients and start cooking. ππ₯
