Kimchi-Braised Chicken With Bacon
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This kimchi-braised chicken with bacon is a deeply savoury, high-protein dish that marries fermented heat with classic comfort. By slow-cooking the chicken in a base of white wine, burst cherry tomatoes, and tangy kimchi, the meat becomes incredibly tender while the skin stays perfectly crisp. The addition of salty bacon adds a rich depth that balances the acidity of the kimchi, creating a complex sauce that is both warming and vibrant.
Ideal for a weekend dinner or a nutritious midweek treat, this homemade meal is served over silky, buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of the flavourful braising liquid. It is a brilliant way to introduce more fermented foods into your diet while enjoying a hearty, satisfying plate of food. Serve it simply with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a bright, seasonal finish.
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Ingredients for Kimchi-Braised Chicken With Bacon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
110g slab bacon, sliced 1/4 inch thick, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
1 (3 1/2–4-pound) chicken, cut into 10 pieces
or 4 chicken legs, drumsticks and thighs separated, plus 2 skin-on, bone-in breasts, cut crosswise
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
8 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
575ml cherry tomatoes
240ml dry white wine
475ml kimchi with juices, divided
170g wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sliced chives, divided
How to make Kimchi-Braised Chicken With Bacon
Back to contentsHeat oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium and cook bacon, turning occasionally, until brown and lightly crisped, 5–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Cook, skin side down, in bacon drippings, until skin is very deep golden brown, 12–15 minutes. Transfer to plate with bacon, placing skin side up.
Add garlic and tomatoes to same pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is lightly browned and tomatoes have burst, about 5 minutes. Add wine, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by three-fourths.
Add half of kimchi and nestle bacon and chicken, skin side up, into tomatoes (make sure chicken skin is above surface of liquid to keep it crispy). Bring to a simmer and cook, reducing heat if needed, until chicken is tender and cooked through, 45–60 minutes.
Transfer chicken back to plate and bring braising liquid to a simmer; cook until slightly thickened, 8–10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 120ml pasta cooking liquid.
Return noodles to pasta pot and add butter and 60ml pasta cooking liquid. Toss, adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until pasta is coated with buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir remaining kimchi into chicken braising liquid; season with salt and pepper. Place chicken, skin side up, in braising liquid. Sprinkle half of chives over chicken and half over noodles; toss noodles to combine.
Serve chicken and tomato-kimchi sauce over buttery noodles.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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