Description
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken is a simple and flavorful recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a rich, homemade Korean BBQ sauce (natural). Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon and fresh aromatics, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights offering a sweet, savory, and mildly spicy taste that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang (natural), brown sugar (natural), soy sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sesame oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the chopped smoked turkey bacon over the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and bacon, ensuring all pieces are well coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook low and slow: Cover 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, allowing the meat to soak up the rich Korean BBQ sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the natural gelling agent mixed with water into the sauce to give it a glossy, thick finish that clings to the chicken beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, gently shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mix well to coat with the thickened sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results than chicken breasts.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent to ensure the sauce has the perfect texture and appearance.
- Adding smoked turkey bacon early in cooking infuses the dish with subtle smokiness.
- Adjust salt and sweetness near the end of cooking to balance flavors perfectly.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger to capture authentic Korean BBQ flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Korean BBQ Chicken, Korean BBQ, Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Slow Cooker Recipe, Korean Sauce