Easy Dakdoritang

Introduction

Dakdoritang (닭도리탕) is a spicy, savory and comforting chicken stew that’s beloved in Korean cuisine. This dish features tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a bold, flavorful broth made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and other delicious seasonings. The result is a hearty, spicy stew that’s perfect for cozy dinners or gathering your loved ones around the table. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients!

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Stew

1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skinless)
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1-2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust for spice level)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey (optional, to balance the spice)
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Cut the chicken thighs or drumsticks into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking, or leave them whole if preferred.
Peel and chop the potatoes into medium-sized chunks, and slice the carrots.
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and ginger.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped onions and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning the chicken pieces to brown them on all sides.
Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to coat the chicken in the seasonings.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the potatoes, carrots, and gochugaru (if using) for extra heat. Stir everything together.
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and the potatoes are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of honey.
Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender, remove the stew from the heat.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve with a side of steamed rice or enjoy it on its own.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Use Bone-In Chicken

Bone-in chicken helps give the stew more flavor, and the bones add richness to the broth. However, you can also use boneless chicken for a quicker cooking time.

2. Customize the Spice Level

If you like a milder stew, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit the gochugaru. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili paste or fresh chili peppers.

3. Add More Vegetables

This stew is very versatile, so you can add other vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn to suit your preferences.

4. Make it Ahead

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

The honey helps balance the spice and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your taste, or substitute with brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Bold & Flavorful – The perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
✔ Comforting & Hearty – Tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables make this stew filling and satisfying.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and veggies based on your preferences.