Savory and Delicious: Korean Chicken
By Dr. Cindy Tanzar
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and brings a taste of Korean cuisine to your dinner table, look no further than this delectable Korean Chicken recipe. Inspired by a contest-winning recipe from the Seoul Olympics, this adaptation uses low-glycemic sweeteners to keep it healthy while allowing the amazing flavors of garlic, ginger, and sesame to shine through.
This dish has become a family favorite in my household due to its rich taste and satisfying texture. Bonus: the saucy chicken pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies, making it a versatile meal option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Low-Glycemic: Using a low-glycemic sweetener instead of traditional honey helps reduce the carbohydrate content without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish makes fantastic leftovers, so you can enjoy the flavors for days to come!
Recipe Breakdown
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 Tbs. cold-pressed, unrefined sesame seed oil
- 8-10 organic chicken thighs, skinless
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 6 Tbs. organic Tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 4-5 Tbs. low-glycemic sweetener (see recipe below)
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
Directions:
- Heat the Skillet: In a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet, heat the sesame seed oil over moderate heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, browning them on both sides for about 10 minutes. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper to the pan. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to mellow and infuse its flavor into the dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the white vinegar, Tamari sauce, low-glycemic sweetener, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Remember to turn the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it’s coated evenly in the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (if necessary): If the sauce is too thin for your liking, remove the cover and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Korean chicken with cauliflower rice and sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, or bok choy for a complete meal.
Homemade Low-Glycemic Sweetener:
- Combine 1 cup erythritol with 1 tsp. powdered stevia (be sure it is pure stevia without additives). Store any extra sweetener for future use.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Chicken dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a flavorful, memorable meal without the extra carbs. The combination of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from the crushed red pepper creates an essence that is deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe promises to impress. Enjoy a plate of delicious Korean chicken that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food without the guilt. Happy cooking!