For many of us, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup. Whether we’re feeling under the weather or simply looking for a cozy dinner, chicken noodle soup is always a reliable go-to. But if you’re looking to step it up a notch, why not try making a delicious Spicy Korean Chicken Noodle Stew? This easy-to-make recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

This rich and flavorful stew is made with garlic, onions, ginger, scallions, shiitake mushrooms, and gochugaru, a Korean chili pepper powder. The garlic and onion add a savory base, and the ginger and scallions add a hint of freshness. The mushrooms bring an earthy depth of flavor, and the gochugaru adds the perfect amount of heat. And of course, the star of the show is the succulent chicken, and hardly noodles.

This stew is the perfect meal to make either on a weeknight, when you want something satisfying and delicious that won’t take too long to make. Read on for an ingredient checklist, and some of my favorite variations for this stew to help make this recipe your own.

Now, without further introduction, let’s get cooking!

Ingredient Checklist

Chicken Thighs. The meat of today’s recipe. I’m using bone-in purely as a matter of preference.
Sweet Onion. I do recommend sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, over other varieties. Sweet onions have a mild, sweet flavor that adds a subtle sweetness to the stew. Sweet onions are also less pungent than other varieties, which makes them ideal for adding flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic. Crushed and chopped.
Scallions. For a dash of color and ‘oniony flavor’ without the ‘oniony bite.’
Ginger. For best results, I suggest freshly grated.
Shiitake Mushrooms. I’m using dehydrated shiitake mushrooms, but fresh work just as well. Feel free to replace with your preferred mushrooms.
Fish Sauce. This adds a salty, umami flavor to the soup. Do note that fish sauce is best used in moderation, as it has a very strong, pungent flavor and aroma.
Sugar. To balance out the acid in the soup.
Salt. Plain table salt is all you’re looking for here.
Black Pepper. Pre-ground works just fine.
Gochugaru. Korean Red Chili Pepper that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and pungent, that will add a delicious ‘chili flavor’ background to the soup.
Chili Crisp. One of my new favorite ingredients. I’m using this mostly as garnish, so feel free to leave it out.
Seaweed. Don’t overthink this one. We simply take a couple of seaweed sheets, crumble them up, and add them to the soup. They bring a nice ‘briny’ flavor.
Noodles. You’re preferred noodles.

My Favorite Variations

Mix and Match the Veggies. Try adding a combination of carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a flavor boost and added texture.
Experiment with herbs and spices. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a smoky flavor, or some thyme, oregano, or sage for a more herbal flavor.
Use different types of noodles. Try using a different type of noodle such as udon, soba, or egg noodles. Conversely, leave out the noodles and substitute in rice.
Mix and Match Proteins. Try adding some chunks of tofu or seitan for a vegan option, or some cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood-based stew. Sausage, stewed beef or pork, or chop meat would all work great.
Try different types of mushrooms. Swap out the shiitake mushrooms for other varieties such as oyster, enoki, or portobello.
Add some heat. If you like your food spicy, add more gochugaru or some diced fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers.

More Soups & Stews from Living the Gourmet

Peppers & Orzo Soup. This soup is a wonderful combination of vegetables, orzo pasta, and savory herbs that come together in one comforting bowl. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even a light lunch.
Potato Leek Soup. A comfort food classic. This soup creamy and savory, hearty and comforting – everything you want in a soup on a cold winter night. It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or a side dish to almost any meal.
Yam & Tomato Soup. Warm, comforting and filling, this is the perfect meal to make when you’re in the mood for something hearty. The combination of creamy yams and juicy tomatoes creates a dynamic flavor that is sure to please. Plus, the soup comes together quickly, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights.