Tam To’s Korean Spicy Braised Chicken

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 6 servings
This Korean spicy braised chicken is a healthier, flavor-packed alternative to fried chicken. It’s tender, juicy and simmered in a rich gochujang-based sauce that’s comforting and gives a bit of a kick! Made in just one pot, this protein-rich meal comes together in under 40 minutes. —Tam To, Los Angeles, California

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 2 tablespoons gochugaru
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 6 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 5 slices fresh gingerroot
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1-in. pieces
  • 1 large potato, quartered
  • 1 large carrot, cut into 1-in. pieces
  • 1 green chili pepper, sliced
  • Hot cooked rice
  • Optional: Chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, stir the first 9 ingredients until well blended. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, until well combined and smooth. Add chicken, onion and ginger; stir or toss to coat.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken mixture to the pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes.
  3. Add zucchini, potato, carrot and green chili pepper and coat well. Cover and cook until a thermometer reads 160°, and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes longer.
  4. Serve over hot cooked rice. Garnish with green onion, sesame seeds and sesame oil, as desired.
This Korean spicy braised chicken is a healthier, flavor-packed alternative to fried chicken. It’s tender, juicy and simmered in a rich gochujang-based sauce that’s comforting and gives a bit of a kick! Made in just one pot, this protein-rich meal comes together in under 40 minutes. —Tam To, Los Angeles, California
Recipe Creator