Name: Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken and Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491881H3M35S
Total time: PT-491881H3M35S
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: 1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry; Salt, to taste; 1½ pounds cherry tomatoes; 1 (3-inch) piece of ginger, halved lengthwise and smashed with a knife; 1 to 3 tablespoons gochujang, depending on heat preference; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, plus more as needed; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey, plus more as needed

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken and Tomatoes recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a spicy, sweet tomato sauce. It’s a simple, hands-off meal perfect for busy days and brings a lovely Korean-inspired twist to your dinner table.

A bowl of thick white udon noodles sits at the bottom, forming the first layer with a smooth and soft texture. On top, there is a bright red tomato-based sauce with chunks of tomato, creating a rich and slightly chunky second layer. Shredded pieces of cooked chicken are scattered over the sauce, adding a light brown, tender layer. Green sliced scallions are sprinkled all over, giving a fresh touch of bright green. White sesame seeds are lightly sprinkled on top for small, subtle texture contrasts. A spoon and fork rest inside the white bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry
Salt

1½ pounds cherry tomatoes
1 (3-inch) piece of ginger, halved lengthwise and smashed with a knife

1 to 3 tablespoons gochujang, depending on heat preference
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, plus more as needed

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey, plus more as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly sprinkle the chicken thighs all over with salt and place them in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the cherry tomatoes, smashed ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken and tomatoes evenly.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is very tender and most of the tomatoes have burst.
Step 4: Taste the cooking liquid and adjust the seasoning with more honey if it needs sweetness or more soy sauce if it needs saltiness. Stir gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for the most tender meat; you can substitute with chicken breasts but expect slightly less moisture.
Adjust gochujang to control the spice level—start with less if unsure and add more toward the end if desired.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Remove the ginger before serving to avoid a strong bite.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling—add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with thick white udon noodles forms the base layer, arranged in a loose spiral. On top, a chunky red tomato sauce with whole and crushed tomatoes covers the noodles, mixed with shredded chicken pieces that are light brown and tender. Bright green sliced spring onions are scattered over the dish, adding fresh color and texture. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, providing small, crunchy details. A silver fork and spoon rest inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may become drier than thighs during slow cooking. Monitor the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What is gochujang, and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. It’s commonly found in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of many supermarkets.