Easy Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving an effortless yet bursting-with-flavor dinner, this Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken recipe is your perfect go-to. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, homemade savory sauce (natural), creating a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself while you unwind. Whether you’re after a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses without fuss, this recipe delivers in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on time.
• Bold, authentic flavors: Homemade Korean BBQ sauce (natural) captures that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
• Versatile protein: Juicy chicken thighs stay tender and soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Perfect for busy nights: Prep in the morning and come home to a fully cooked, aromatic dinner.
• Kid-friendly and family approved: A crowd-pleaser that suits all ages with its sweet-savory profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but packs a punch. Every ingredient plays a role, bringing depth, texture, and a pop of color to your Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken.

• Chicken thighs: Choose boneless for easy shredding and maximum tenderness.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky hint that elevates the dish’s richness without overpowering.
• Garlic cloves (fresh): Injects a warm, aromatic aroma that perfectly complements the sauce.
• Ginger (fresh): Brings a bright zestiness balancing the sweetness in the sauce.
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) (natural): Delivers authentic heat and a touch of sweetness distinctive to Korean BBQ.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Enhances the savory depth with a tangy, umami punch.
• Brown sugar (natural): Sweetens the sauce gently, encouraging caramelization during cooking.
• Soy sauce (natural): The backbone of savory flavor with rich saltiness and complexity.
• Sesame oil (natural): Adds a toasty fragrance and nutty undertone throughout the dish.
• Apple cider vinegar (natural): Balances the sweetness with a crisp, tangy brightness.
• Green onions: Fresh, green garnish that also adds subtle crunch and freshness.
• Sesame seeds: A finishing touch that provides a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps thicken the sauce to luscious, clingy perfection for coating the chicken beautifully.

Variations for Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

Feel free to experiment and make this Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken your own by mixing up flavors, swapping proteins, or adjusting spice levels to suit your preferences.

• Use smoked turkey slices: Swap chicken thighs for smoked turkey slices for a lighter protein variation without sacrificing flavor.
• Spicy kick up: Add extra gochujang or a pinch of red chili flakes (natural) for those who love the heat.
• Vegetable medley: Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
• Sweetness adjustment: Replace brown sugar (natural) with honey (natural) or maple syrup (natural) for different types of sweet notes.
• Serve as tacos: Use the chicken as filling in wraps or lettuce cups for a fresh twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the sauce (natural)

In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, brown sugar (natural), soy sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sesame oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Assemble in the slow cooker

Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Chop smoked turkey bacon and sprinkle it evenly on top. Pour the prepared sauce (natural) over the chicken and bacon, making sure everything is well coated to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable. The slow cooking allows the meat to soak up the BBQ sauce deeply.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix a small amount of natural gelling agent with water and stir it into the sauce. This step gives the sauce a glossy, thick finish that clings delightfully to every bite of chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken gently in the slow cooker, mix to coat in the thickened sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

• Choose dark meat: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker than breast meat.
• Don’t skip the natural gelling agent: Thickening the sauce enhances texture and presentation beautifully.
• Layer flavors: Adding smoked turkey bacon early infuses the sauce with subtle smokiness.
• Check seasoning: Adjust salt and sweetness toward the end of cooking for a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make all the difference in capturing authentic Korean BBQ flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten up your presentation with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, adding freshness and a satisfying nutty crunch right before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing. For a veggie boost, serve with stir-fried bok choy, roasted broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the chicken onto warm sandwich rolls or buns, topping with fresh slaw and extra sauce for a satisfying Korean BBQ chicken sandwich experience. Another fun twist is folding it into soft lettuce cups with crunchy veggies for a light, fresh finger food option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making for even tastier meals the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce warms evenly without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more in slow cooking, so keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking and losing tenderness.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to gochujang. You can adjust the spice level up or down by adding more or less chili paste or including red pepper flakes (natural).

Can I make this recipe on the stove top instead?

Absolutely! Simmer the sauce and chicken in a covered pan over low heat for about 45 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it well.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If gochujang is hard to find, you can use a blend of chili paste (natural), miso paste (natural), and a touch of brown sugar (natural) for a close approximation.

Is smoked turkey bacon necessary?

While not strictly necessary, smoked turkey bacon adds a lovely smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of your Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking transform into a comforting, savory feast bursting with authentic flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want an easy meal that feels special. So grab your slow cooker and give this delicious chicken a try you’ll soon wonder how you ever got by without it!

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