Juicy Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this slow cooker Korean BBQ chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken thighs absorb rich, tangy marinades that dance across your taste buds.

The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes creates a restaurant-worthy meal straight from your kitchen.

Aromatic ginger and garlic mingle with soy sauce and brown sugar, creating a deeply satisfying sauce.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through Korean-inspired cuisine.

Serve this mouthwatering dish over steamed rice, and watch as everyone at the table asks for seconds.

Let’s transform your dinner routine with this irresistible, hassle-free recipe.

Korean BBQ Chicken In The Slow Cooker: Flavorful & Effortless

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming chicken into a mouthwatering Korean BBQ feast with minimal effort.
• Packed with a harmonious blend of soy sauce, chili sauce, hoisin, and spices, this recipe delivers an incredible taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this shredded Korean BBQ chicken can be served over rice, in tacos, or stuffed into sandwiches for endless delicious possibilities.
• Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its sweet, spicy, and savory profile, making it a go-to recipe for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors.

Savory Components That Set BBQ Chicken Apart

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the base for this Korean BBQ dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor to the dish.
• Chili Sauce: Adds a spicy kick and depth to the sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Contributes a sweet and tangy element.
• Brown Sugar, Honey: Offer natural sweetness and help create a glossy sauce.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor characteristic of Korean cuisine.
• Minced Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy undertone.
• Turmeric: Adds color and earthy notes.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Deliver a spicy warmth.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds, Sliced Shallots, Sliced Carrots: Add texture and visual appeal.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a slurry to thicken the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural taste.

Slow Cooker Tools For Tender BBQ Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken tender and infusing flavors.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and small sizes needed for preparing sauce and slurry.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients and creating smooth slurry.
• Cutting Board: Required for chopping green onions, shallots, and carrots.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Shredding Forks or Tongs: Helpful for easily shredding cooked chicken.

How To Make Set-And-Forget Korean BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions to the slow cooker.

Nestle the chicken pieces into the aromatic herbs and spices.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily falls apart.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks.

Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Chili sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Rice wine vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced ginger
• Turmeric
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk the ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

• Cornstarch
• Water

Add the slurry to the sauce and mix thoroughly.

Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken in the slow cooker, tossing to coat evenly.

Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the Korean BBQ chicken over steamed rice.

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced shallots
• Sliced carrots

Serve hot and enjoy the burst of Korean-inspired flavors!

Tips For The Juiciest, Most Flavorful Chicken

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent watery texture.
• Choose high or low setting based on your schedule, with high taking 4 hours and low taking 5 hours for tender meat.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a balanced, rich Korean BBQ taste profile.
• Use cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without lumps or thin liquid.
• Top with fresh sesame seeds, green onions, shallots, and carrots to add texture, color, and extra flavor dimensions.

Creative Twists On Classic Korean BBQ Chicken

• Spicy Gochujang Chicken: Replace chili sauce with gochujang for an intense Korean-style heat and deeper flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce with tamari, use gluten-free hoisin sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich Korean BBQ flavor.

Tasty Side Ideas For Serving BBQ Chicken Family-Style

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pile the tender Korean BBQ chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal that bursts with Asian-inspired flavors.
• Taco Night Twist: Stuff the shredded chicken into warm tortillas, top with quick-pickled vegetables and a drizzle of extra sauce for a Korean-Mexican fusion experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with brown rice, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an easy, delicious lunch option that keeps well in the refrigerator.
• Appetizer Adventure: Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer by placing the chicken on small lettuce cups, creating bite-sized Korean BBQ chicken wraps that are perfect for parties.

Keeping Leftover Korean BBQ Chicken Moist

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using shallow containers.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to maintain moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cook until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes this Korean BBQ Chicken different from other chicken recipes?

This slow cooker version offers deep Korean flavors with a complex sauce that combines soy sauce, hoisin, chili sauce, and multiple spices, creating a rich and authentic taste without extensive cooking skills.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from red pepper flakes and chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your preference.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean BBQ Chicken simmers effortlessly in slow cookers, delivering tender meat packed with bold flavors. Savory marinades and simple ingredients create an authentic Korean-inspired meal home cooks can easily prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon minced ginger

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Tamari soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Baby carrots, thinly sliced
• Shallots, thinly sliced
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by patting it dry and seasoning with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken in the slow cooker, layering with minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions.
2. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring chicken is mostly covered. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 5 hours until meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
3. Remove chicken and discard excess liquid. Shred meat using two forks, breaking into small, consistent pieces.
4. Create Korean BBQ sauce by whisking together soy sauce, chili sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, additional ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
5. Prepare cornstarch slurry in a separate small bowl by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth. Incorporate slurry into sauce, stirring thoroughly to prevent lumps.
6. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and pour sauce mixture over meat. Gently toss to ensure even coating. Cook uncovered on high for 30 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
7. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh green onion rings, thinly sliced shallots, and julienned carrots. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Notes

• Moisture Matters Pat chicken thoroughly to ensure a better sear and more concentrated flavor when slow cooking.
• Spice Flexibility Adjust red pepper flakes and chili sauce to control heat level for sensitive palates or kids.
• Sauce Customization Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option or use gluten-free soy sauce for dietary restrictions.
• Meal Prep Magic This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or busy schedules.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg