Jennie’s Pick: 20-Minute Korean Spicy Braised Chicken (Dakbokkeumtang) using Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Are you curious about the Korean comfort food loved by global K-pop icon Jennie of BLACKPINK? It is none other than "Dakbokkeumtang" (Korean Spicy Braised Chicken). This dish is a staple of the Korean dining table—a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that makes it the ultimate "rice thief."

A hearty bowl of homemade Korean Spicy Braised Chicken (Dakbokkeumtang), cooked with shredded rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and carrots. The dish is topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, displayed alongside the ingredients used for the recipe, including rotisserie chicken, Gochujang, and BBQ sauce

Traditionally, making authentic Dakbokkeumtang requires time-consuming steps like cleaning raw chicken and simmering it for a long period to develop a deep flavor. However, for those of you with busy schedules in the U.S., I have a game-changing hack: using a Costco Rotisserie Chicken. You can recreate Jennie’s favorite flavor in just 20 minutes!

Why the 'Rotisserie Chicken Dakbokkeumtang' Hack?

Traditional recipes require long cooking times to ensure raw chicken is thoroughly cooked and to draw out the flavors. By using a pre-cooked Costco Rotisserie Chicken, the meat is already succulent, tender, and infused with savory juices.

If you find chicken breast to be dry or boring, simmering it in this spicy-sweet glaze is the perfect solution. It transforms leftovers into a gourmet, restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will love.

Shopping Tips: Essential Ingredients at U.S. Markets

You don’t need an Asian supermarket to make an authentic-tasting meal. You can easily find these ingredients at Costco or Walmart:

• The Main Protein: A Costco Rotisserie Chicken (using pre-cooked chicken saves massive prep time).

• The Sauce Base: Korean Gochujang (Red Chili Paste) is the heart of the dish. You can easily find it in the "International Foods" aisle at Walmart or on Amazon.

• Fresh Produce: Potatoes, onions, and carrots are easily sourced in the "Organic Produce" section at Costco.

• Sweetness & Umami: If you don’t have Mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of sugar, honey, or agave nectar. Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a standard pantry staple available at every grocery store.

[Recipe] Jennie-Style 20-Minute Dakbokkeumtang

Ingredients (Serves 2-3):

• 1 Costco Rotisserie Chicken (shredded or chopped into chunks)

• 2 Medium potatoes (cubed)

• 1/2 Onion (chopped)

• 1/2 Carrot (chopped)

• Green onion (for garnish)

Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• 3 tbsp Soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Sugar (or honey)

• 1 tbsp Minced garlic

• 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat)

• 1.5 cups Water (approx. 300ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Tear the rotisserie chicken into large, bite-sized pieces. If you have bone-in pieces, keep them—they add extra depth to the broth.

2. Prep the Vegetables: Cut the potatoes, onions, and carrots into bite-sized chunks (about 2cm thick for the potatoes so they cook through quickly).

3. Create the Broth: In a large pan or pot, combine the water and all the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Simmer: Add the potatoes and carrots to the sauce first. Boil for about 5–7 minutes until they are nearly tender.

5. Combine & Finish: Add the chicken pieces and onions into the pot. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and the flavors have fully melded into the meat. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.