How to Make Authentic Korean Samgyetang (삼계탕) – Ginseng Chicken Soup

Samgyetang (삼계탕) is a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, made with a whole young chicken, ginseng, garlic, jujube (Korean dates), and glutinous rice. This nutritious dish is believed to boost energy, improve immunity, and restore strength, making it a popular meal during the hot summer months in Korea.

If you want to make authentic Korean Samgyetang at home, follow this detailed step-by-step recipe to enjoy its deep, nourishing flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Authentic Korean Comfort Food – A traditional dish packed with nutrients.
✅ Boosts Energy & Immunity – Rich in protein, vitamins, and herbal ingredients.
✅ Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor – Mild yet deeply satisfying broth.
✅ Perfect for All Seasons – Traditionally eaten in summer but great year-round!

Ingredients for Samgyetang (Serves 2–3)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole young chicken (Cornish hen, about 700–900g)
• ¼ cup (50g) glutinous rice (sticky rice), soaked for 1 hour
• 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 small ginseng root (fresh or dried)
• 2 jujubes (Korean dried red dates)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 8 cups (2 liters) water
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Optional Ingredients (for extra flavor):

• 1 small piece of ginger (sliced)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (for richness)
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Samgyetang

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Clean the whole young chicken by rinsing it in cold water and removing any leftover organs or blood.
2. Pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill the inside of the chicken with soaked glutinous rice, garlic cloves, ginseng root, and jujubes.
2. Close the opening by tying the legs together with cooking twine or securing with a toothpick. (This helps keep the filling inside while cooking.)

Step 3: Cook the Samgyetang

1. In a large pot, add 8 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Carefully place the stuffed chicken into the pot.
3. Add any extra garlic, ginger, and jujubes into the broth for additional flavor.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich.
5. Skim off any excess foam or fat from the surface of the soup.

Step 4: Season & Serve

1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken and place it in a large serving bowl.
2. Ladle the hot broth over the chicken.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Serve with a small dish of salt and black pepper on the side—each person can season their soup to taste.

How to Eat Samgyetang Like a Korean

1. Tear apart the tender chicken with chopsticks or a spoon.
2. Mix the glutinous rice with the broth for a thick, porridge-like texture.
3. Dip pieces of chicken into salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
4. Enjoy with Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned spinach.

Tips for the Best Samgyetang

✔ Use a young chicken (Cornish hen) – It’s smaller and more tender than regular chicken.
✔ Soak the rice for at least 1 hour – This helps it cook evenly inside the chicken.
✔ Use fresh ginseng for the best health benefits – But dried ginseng also works!
✔ Let it simmer slowly – The longer it cooks, the richer the broth becomes.
✔ Add extra garlic for a stronger, immune-boosting soup.

Health Benefits of Samgyetang

Samgyetang is more than just a soup—it’s considered a nutritious healing food in Korean cuisine.

• Ginseng → Boosts energy and improves focus.
• Garlic → Strengthens the immune system.
• Jujube (red dates) → Rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Glutinous Rice → Provides energy and helps digestion.
• Chicken → High in protein and easy to digest.

What to Serve with Samgyetang

• Kimchi (김치) → The spicy, fermented flavor balances the mild soup.
• Pickled Radish (단무지) → Refreshing and crunchy side dish.
• Korean Soy Sauce Dip → Mix soy sauce with chopped garlic and green onions for dipping.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) → Adds a spicy kick for those who like heat.

Samgyetang is a healthy, comforting Korean soup perfect for any season. The combination of tender chicken, nourishing broth, and aromatic ingredients makes this dish a must-try for Korean food lovers. Whether you're looking for a healing meal or just want to enjoy authentic Korean flavors, this homemade Samgyetang recipe will warm your soul!