Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet-spicy gochujang glaze with roasted sweet potatoes, finished with sesame seeds for a perfect weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free) ready in about 255 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, gochujang paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place chicken thighs skin-side up in slow cooker insert, then arrange sweet potatoes evenly around them.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth; pour evenly over chicken and potatoes.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and potatoes to a platter; skim excess fat from cooking liquid. Stir in sesame seeds, then spoon sauce over chicken and potatoes until glistening.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Korean-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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