JOA Mom
Introduction
North Korean-Style Braised Chicken is one of the dishes that has recently been going viral on social media in Korea, and today I’m sharing how to make this North Korean-Style Braised Chicken at home.
Hi everyone, JOA Mom here 👩🍳 There are always new food trends popping up in Korea, and this dish is one of them. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet the final result looks and tastes surprisingly impressive.
Although Korea is divided into North and South, many people in South Korea enjoy North Korean-style dishes as a special delicacy. Among them, Pyongyang naengmyeon and this North Korean-Style Braised Chicken are some of the most well-known.
In South Korea, when people think of “jjimdak,” they usually imagine sweet soy-based Andong jjimdak or spicy red chicken stew (dakdoritang). But this version is completely different. It uses minimal seasoning and focuses on the natural flavor of the chicken, resulting in a very light and clean taste.
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can simply shred the meat and serve it plain for babies, while adults can enjoy it with a flavorful dipping sauce. It’s truly a one-dish recipe that works for all ages.
Also, if you’re on a diet, this can be a great high-protein meal, which is why many people in Korea enjoy it as a healthy option. Considering how simple the recipe is compared to how satisfying the result is, I highly recommend giving this North Korean-Style Braised Chicken a try.
Nutrition / Why this combo
Chicken drumsticks are rich in protein and easy for kids to eat.
Instead of frying or using heavy sauces, this recipe uses a steaming method, which keeps the chicken moist while making it lighter and easier to digest.
This is actually a dish I used to make often when my baby transitioned into toddler meals after 12 months. Chicken is an important ingredient for a baby’s nutrition, and this recipe works especially well for baby-led weaning because it allows them to explore the texture of the meat naturally.
According to Solid Starts, chicken drumsticks can be an excellent finger food for babies, and this recipe fits perfectly into that idea.
The chives added at the end enhance the aroma and balance the overall flavor, adding a fresh touch to the dish. This North Korean-Style Braised Chicken is especially great for babies and toddlers because of its soft texture and clean flavor.
Cooking Tip
The most important part of this recipe is keeping the flavor simple and not overpowering.
Blanching the chicken first removes impurities and creates a much cleaner taste. Instead of marinating, the key is to build flavor gradually by brushing the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture during steaming.
This process allows the seasoning to absorb gently into the chicken without making it salty, resulting in a deeper and more natural flavor. This simple technique is what makes North Korean-Style Braised Chicken so unique compared to other Korean chicken recipes.
Ingredients
🍗 Chicken
1 kg chicken drumsticks
💧 Broth
1.2 L water
80 ml cooking wine
🥣 Brushing Sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp sesame oil
🌿 Finishing
A handful of chives
🌶 Dipping Sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp allulose (or honey)
1 tbsp chili flakes
1/2 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp water
Black pepper to taste
5 Simple Steps
Follow these simple steps to make authentic North Korean-Style Braised Chicken at home.
1️⃣ Blanch the chicken
Bring water to a boil and blanch the chicken drumsticks for 30–60 seconds. Remove and drain.
2️⃣ Coat with brushing sauce
Mix soy sauce and sesame oil, then lightly brush it over the chicken.
3️⃣ Steam the chicken
Add water and cooking wine to a pot and bring to a boil. Place the chicken in a steamer and steam for about 50 minutes.
4️⃣ Build flavor
While steaming, brush the soy-sesame mixture over the chicken 2–3 times.
5️⃣ Finish and serve
Add chives 10 minutes before turning off the heat. Serve with the dipping sauce.
JOA Mom’s Experience
When I first made this dish, I honestly didn’t expect much because the seasoning looked so simple. I thought it might taste a bit plain.
But once I tried it, my opinion completely changed. The chicken was incredibly tender, and even though the flavor was light, it had a really comforting depth.
I gave each of my kids a drumstick, and they loved the experience of holding and eating it themselves. They actually ate more than usual, which made me so happy.
This North Korean-Style Braised Chicken quickly became one of my go-to family meals.
What I personally loved the most was the leftover broth. It felt too good to throw away, so I added some kalguksu noodles, and it instantly turned into another dish. My kids, who love noodles, absolutely devoured it—it really felt like getting two meals out of one recipe.
FAQ
Q. Is this the same as Andong jjimdak?
A. No, this version is much lighter, less sweet, and focuses on the natural flavor of the chicken.
Q. Can I use other parts instead of drumsticks?
A. Yes, you can use chicken thighs or a whole cut-up chicken, but leg quarters (drumstick + thigh) work best.
Q. Can I skip the dipping sauce?
A. You can, but the dipping sauce really enhances the flavor and adds contrast.
Storage
🧊 Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
❄️ Freezer: Not recommended due to texture changes
🔥 Reheating: Reheat by steaming or gently warming with a bit of broth
Closing
This North Korean-Style Braised Chicken may not look flashy, but it’s one of those dishes that you keep coming back to.
It’s light, comforting, and easy on the stomach, making it perfect for both kids and adults.
It’s especially great on days when you don’t feel like eating something heavy or overly seasoned.
What I love most is how practical it is—you can enjoy the chicken first, then turn the leftover broth into another meal.
If you like this kind of clean and nourishing dish, you might also enjoy my Korean baby chicken soup recipe, which is another favorite among kids.
If you’re looking for a clean and healthy chicken dish, this North Korean-Style Braised Chicken is definitely worth trying.
Sometimes, simple food is the most memorable.
If you’re looking for a recipe that works for both babies and adults at the same time, this is definitely one to try.
