Spicy Chicken Stew is a wonderful warming dish from the lovely South Korea. I first had this about 30 years and have been making it ever since. The heat from the chilli paste and pepper flakes is hot without being mind blowing. This is a simple recipe that is ready in 30 minutes but can also be slow cooked. Serve as a main dish with bread to soak up the sauce.
If you’re a fan of bold, warming flavours, a Spicy Chicken Stew is the perfect dish to turn to. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, yet it carries enough kick to wake up your taste buds and leave you smiling with every bite.
The beauty of spicy chicken stew lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks form the hearty base, bringing rich flavour and tenderness that no boneless cut could quite match. As they simmer, the chicken releases its natural juices, which mingle with a vibrant sauce built on light soy sauce, red chilli paste, and chilli flakes, balanced with a touch of sugar. The result is a fragrant, spicy-sweet broth that clings to every piece of meat.
Root vegetables make this stew even more comforting. Large chunks of carrot, onion, and baking potatoes are added midway through cooking. The carrot offers a subtle sweetness, the onion melts down into a soft, caramelised base, and the potatoes absorb the heat and seasoning, providing that velvety bite we all associate with a perfect stew. Garlic and fresh ginger add layers of depth—garlic brings warmth and a hint of pungency, while ginger lends a bright, almost peppery zing that keeps the spice from becoming one-dimensional.
One of the best parts about this stew is the finishing touch. Just before serving, a splash of sesame oil is stirred in, lending a fragrant nuttiness that complements the heat of the chilli. A scattering of sesame seeds adds a delicate crunch, and the fresh, sharp bite of sliced spring onions and red chilli gives the dish a lift, brightening the flavours and adding a hint of freshness. This is not just food; it’s an experience where each element—from tender chicken to the spicy-sweet sauce and aromatic garnishes—plays a role in creating something truly special.
While this stew is substantial and satisfying on its own, it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic companion, soaking up the spicy sauce and providing a gentle counterbalance to the heat. Soft, pillowy bao buns or freshly baked bread are perfect for sopping up every last drop. For a lighter side, stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli bring a crisp freshness that complements the richness of the chicken. Even a chilled cucumber salad with a hint of sesame oil and rice vinegar can cut through the spice and provide a refreshing contrast.
What makes this Spicy Chicken Stew especially appealing is how it brings a touch of elegance to everyday cooking while remaining remarkably straightforward. It’s not fussy or intimidating, but it’s packed with layers of flavour that feel both exotic and familiar. On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like ladling a bowl of this vibrant, spicy stew over rice, tucking in, and letting the warmth and aroma fill you from the inside out. It’s a dish that invites sharing, whether with family, friends, or even just for yourself after a long day.
In short, Spicy Chicken Stew is a celebration of bold, comforting flavours. From the tender, juicy chicken to the perfectly seasoned vegetables and aromatic finishing touches, every spoonful is a delight. Whether served with rice, bread, or fresh greens, it’s a dish that proves home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.
Suggested side dishes for Spicy Chicken Stew:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Soft bao buns
- Freshly baked bread
- Stir-fried greens (bok choy, Chinese broccoli)
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
Spicy Chicken Stew
Ingredients
The Stew Ingredients
The Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp red chilli pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp red chilli pepper paste
Finishing Touches
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 3 large spring onions scallions sliced
- 1 large red chilli sliced
Instructions
- To create the sauce, combine the soy sauce, sugar, chilli pepper flakes and paste into a mixing bowl and stir well to mix.2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp red chilli pepper flakes, 2 tbsp red chilli pepper paste, 4 tbsp light soy sauce
- Add 355 ml of water to a large saucepan and place over a medium high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and the sauce and stir well to cover the chicken. Bring the contents to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium and add a lid.2 lbs chicken
- Cook for a further 15 minutes stirring regularly.
- Add the carrot, onion, potatoes, garlic and the ginger and stir well again.1 large carrot, 1 medium onion, 8 cloves garlic, 12 oz baking potatoes, 1 inch ginger
- Put the lid back on and cook for another 10 minutes stirring regularly.
- After 10 minutes remove the lid and cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is lovely and tender.
- Add the spring onions/scallions, chilli, sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds over the stew and remove from the heat.1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tsp sesame seeds, 3 large spring onions, 1 large red chilli
- Serve your Spicy Chicken Stew straight away.
27 comments
Found this a little too spicy so next time will reduce a bit but still a beautiful dish.
The red chilli gave it a wonderful warming kick.
So comforting and full of flavour.
The ginger and garlic really elevated the flavour.
My family couldn’t get enough of this.
A warming, hearty dish ideal for chilly evenings.
I’ll definitely be making this again soon.
Hands down, one of my favourite home-cooked meals.
So easy to prepare and packed with flavour.
Even my kids enjoyed it despite the spice.
Comfort food at its finest!
Delicious! I added extra chilli for a bit more heat.
This stew exceeded all my expectations.
One of the best stews I’ve ever made at home.
Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
The sesame oil finish was a brilliant touch.
Served it with steamed rice, and it was a hit!
Loved the combination of chicken and hearty vegetables.
Perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.
Spicy without being overpowering—just perfect.
Full of flavour and very aromatic.
The balance of spice and sweetness was incredible.
Perfect for a cozy night in.
This recipe is now a staple in our house.
Absolutely loved this stew! The chicken was tender and the sauce perfectly spicy.
Rich, aromatic, and absolutely satisfying.
Simple ingredients, but tastes gourmet.