Description
Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken prepared with a savory blend of natural soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked turkey bacon, slow cooked to juicy perfection. This easy recipe balances sweet, spicy, and smoky notes to create a rich, sticky sauce coating succulent chicken thighs, ideal for busy days or effortless dinners with an Asian twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
Marinade
- 1/2 cup natural soy sauce
- 1/4 cup natural brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (natural)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds (natural), fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine natural soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and natural gelling agent. Mix well until the sugar starts to dissolve and the sauce is fully blended, creating a thick, glossy coating.
- Combine chicken and smoked turkey bacon: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the finely chopped smoked turkey bacon evenly over the chicken to add smoky richness.
- Pour in marinade and stir gently: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken and bacon. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat all pieces well, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Slow cook with love: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender and infused with the sticky, rich sauce.
- Final touches: Before serving, stir the chicken to coat it once more with the luscious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and optionally toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for added freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use skinless thighs to keep the chicken juicy without excess fat.
- Cook on low heat to preserve moisture and develop deep flavors.
- Finely chop smoked turkey bacon so smoky bits disperse evenly.
- Adjust sweetness toward the end by adding more brown sugar or grape juice (natural) if desired.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off heat before serving to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Korean Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Asian Slow Cooker Recipe, Korean Cuisine, Sticky Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken
