Spicy Kimchi Braised Chicken
How to Make Delicious Kimchi Braised Chicken
Here’s a simple recipe for flavorful braised chicken with kimchi. I always find myself buying a whole chicken when grocery shopping, and chicken dishes, whether seasoned with soy sauce or gochujang, are always so delicious. Adding well-fermented kimchi to this dish elevates the savory depth and aroma, making it an irresistible meal. Follow this guide to create a special braised chicken that everyone from kids to adults will love.
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (cleaned and cut)
- About 1/2 head of well-fermented kimchi
- 1/2 medium onion
Seasoning
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Gochugaru (Korean chili powder), to taste
- 2-3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Mirin (rice wine), as needed
- Sugar, 2-3 Tbsp (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Gochugaru (Korean chili powder), to taste
- 2-3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Mirin (rice wine), as needed
- Sugar, 2-3 Tbsp (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s time to coat the prepared chicken with delicious seasonings. Place the cleaned chicken pieces in a bowl. Add a pinch of gochugaru for a touch of spice. Then, add a little soy sauce for depth of flavor, and 2-3 tablespoons of gochujang to create a rich, savory base.
Step 2
To help tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavor, add a sufficient amount of mirin (rice wine). Also, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to balance the sweetness and give the dish a nice glaze. You can adjust the sugar amount depending on how sour your kimchi is.
Step 3
Gently mix everything with your hands, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed over the chicken. Letting the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper. Next, finely chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces and add it to the marinated chicken, mixing lightly once more.
Step 4
To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender all the way through, it’s a good idea to make some cuts. Using kitchen scissors, make larger cuts, especially in the thicker parts of the chicken. This helps the marinade penetrate better and reduces cooking time, resulting in a more delicious dish. (This step is optional but recommended!)
Step 5
Now, place the seasoned chicken, kimchi, and chopped onion into a pot. Add just enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Basting the chicken with the sauce occasionally will make it even tastier. Check if the chicken is fully cooked by piercing the thickest part with a skewer; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Serve hot and enjoy, perhaps with a side of steamed rice.
