🥣 Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup Recipe)
Warm, comforting, and nourishing — this authentic Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup) is packed with tender chicken, ginseng, garlic, and jujube. Perfect for boosting immunity and energy!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
🐔 Ingredients
- 1 whole small chicken (about 2 lbs or 900g, Cornish hen preferred)
- ¼ cup glutinous rice (sweet rice), soaked in water for 1 hour
- 2–3 small ginseng roots (fresh or dried)
- 4–5 garlic cloves
- 3 jujubes (Korean red dates)
- 1 small piece of ginger (optional)
- 4 cups water (or enough to cover the chicken)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken:
Clean and rinse the chicken thoroughly, removing any leftover innards. Stuff the cavity with soaked glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, jujubes, and ginger if using. -
Tie the chicken:
Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to close the opening so the stuffing doesn’t spill during cooking. -
Simmer the soup:
Place the chicken in a large pot. Add enough water to cover it fully. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is very tender. -
Season and serve:
Carefully transfer the chicken and broth into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
- Serve Samgyetang hot with a bowl of steamed white rice.
- Pair with Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or cucumber salad.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed garlic for richer flavor.
- It’s traditionally enjoyed during the hot summer months in Korea for energy and stamina.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavor.
- Always remove the rice stuffing before freezing to maintain texture.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Yes, but glutinous (sticky) rice gives the soup its authentic chewy texture.
Q2. What can I substitute for ginseng?
If ginseng is unavailable, you can use ginseng tea bags or omit it — but it’s the key ingredient for authentic taste and health benefits.
Q3. Is Samgyetang healthy?
Absolutely! It’s known in Korea as an energy-boosting, immunity-strengthening soup filled with protein, antioxidants, and minerals.
Q4. Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes — pressure cook on high for about 30 minutes and let the steam release naturally.
Q5. What makes Samgyetang different from regular chicken soup?
It includes unique Korean ingredients like ginseng, jujube, and glutinous rice that give it distinct flavor and nutritional value.
🍲 Similar Recipes to Samgyetang
- Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
- Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
- Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
- Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup)
- Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles)

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