Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe

If you have a craving for something truly comforting and bursting with bold flavors, let me introduce you to the Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe. This dish is a glorious harmony of tender chicken drumsticks slow-cooked with hearty potatoes, carrots, and a vibrant, spicy sauce that’s rich in depth and heat. It’s not just about the spice—it’s about the slow braise that transforms each bite into a juicy, savory experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe delivers layers of flavor that will quickly make it a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, essential ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role: the chicken drumsticks provide juiciness and protein, while the potatoes and carrots add natural sweetness and heartiness. The spicy Korean condiments give the dish its signature kick and gorgeous color.

• Chicken drumsticks: The perfect cut for braising because they stay tender and juicy over long cooking.
• Potatoes: Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces, they soak up the braising sauce beautifully.
• Carrots: Add sweetness and vibrant color to balance the spice.
• Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and base flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to enhance the savory depth.
• Ginger: Minced and fresh, adding warmth and subtle zest.
• Gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste): The heart of the spicy sauce, delivering rich heat and umami.
• Gochugaru (Korean hot pepper powder): Amplifies the spiciness with a slightly smoky nuance.
• Sugar: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness—brown or white both work well.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty depth and savory complexity.
• Water: Necessary for simmering and blending flavors.
• Sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for a nutty, fragrant finish.
• Spring onions (optional): For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the dish.
• Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, optional): Adds a savory, fermented undertone if you want to deepen the flavor complexity.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for a little extra crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

First things first, combine the minced garlic, ginger, sugar, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and water in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients now helps the flavors meld together beautifully, ensuring every piece of chicken and vegetable will be coated in that irresistible spicy braise.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Next, heat a large pot over medium-high. Add the chicken drumsticks along with the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Pour over the spicy sauce you just made, then stir everything so that all the components are evenly coated. This step is key to layering your dish with even heat and flavor. Once combined, bring it all to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Braise

Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer—around medium-low—and cover the pot. Let it slowly braise for 45 minutes so the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the potatoes and carrots soak up the bold spicy sauce. This slow cooking is what transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting meal full of Korean soul.

Step 4: Final Touches

After simmering, stir in the sesame oil and if you’re using doenjang, add it now to boost the savory depth. Mix everything well before garnishing. The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma, making the dish feel complete and deeply satisfying.

How to Serve Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced spring onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add a pop of color and a light crunchy texture contrast to the tender braised chicken and vegetables. These simple toppings not only make the dish look irresistible but also add a fresh bite that balances the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, which is perfect for soaking up the spicy, flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside simple Korean sides like kimchi for a touch of tang and crunch, or some lightly blanched greens for freshness that pairs well with the hearty main.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just elevate your family dinner, serve the Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe in a rustic cast iron pot right on the table to keep it warm and inviting. You can also place it over a bed of rice noodles for a fusion touch, or wrap the chicken and veggies in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld experience reminiscent of Korean BBQ flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day! Use within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When frozen, some of the vegetables may soften slightly more, but the dish will still be delicious after reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the dish gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or even a combination of cuts can work well. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you choose.

Is the Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe very spicy?

This recipe is moderately spicy due to the gochujang and gochugaru, but you can easily adjust the amount of these ingredients to suit your heat preference. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less chili paste and powder and build up gradually.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

While this recipe is centered on chicken, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting tofu or hearty mushrooms like king oyster mushrooms instead. Use vegetable broth instead of water to boost flavor, and the cooking method stays the same.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce gets too thick during simmering, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce naturally.

Is it important to cover the pot while simmering?

Yes, covering the pot during simmering keeps moisture trapped inside, which helps the chicken cook evenly and tenderly while allowing the flavors to infuse the potatoes and carrots. Uncovered cooking can dry out the chicken and reduce sauce volume too quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Braised Spicy Chicken (Dak Doritang) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a true labor of love with every bite. Its combination of bold spice, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables makes it incredibly satisfying and perfectly comforting. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of Korea into your home kitchen and share something truly special with your loved ones.

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