Easy Spicy Ginger Chicken
This Spicy Ginger Chicken is bold in its fusion of spice, flavor, and comfort. If you’re throwing a dinner party or just want to liven up a weeknight meal, this is one to impress. With heartwarming ginger, a touch of heat and a rich sauce, you’ll see why this dish is quickly a go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simply Spicy: The spicy ginger sauce comes in bold, so that each bite is infused with a spicy warmth.
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Easy But, Impressive: This recipe has a few ingredients, easy steps, and restaurant-quality results.
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Diet-Friendly: Great for gluten-free or low-carb diets with small tweaks.
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Versatile: Works well with rice, noodles, or even a crisp salad.
Its the perfect mix of delectable flavor and ease and a must for home cooks of all experience.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons corn-starch (or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
For the Spicy Ginger Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup for vegan or refined sugar-free options)
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry)
Garnishes (Optional):
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- To guarantee tender, juicy results, dice your chicken into bite-sized chunks and toss in cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This makes sure you’ll end up with a light coating that crisps up in the cooking process.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Prep the spicy ginger sauce
- In the same skillet, cook the onion, garlic and ginger until fragrant (2 minutes).
- Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Combine and Thicken
- Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, making sure it’s coated in the sauce.
- Add the corn starch slurry little by little into the mixture, while always stirring. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Step 4: Adjust Spices
- Taste-test the sauce. Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier flow, or a drizzle of honey to tone it down.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for some freshness.
- Serve over steamed rice (or noodles) or with stir-fried veggies.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Spicy Ginger Chicken
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions for a genuine taste.
- Control the Heat: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes (make sure to wear gloves when handling red pepper flakes) for your spice tolerance.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and keep leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.
How to Serve Spicy Ginger Chicken
This dish goes really well with any number of sides:
- Classic Pairing: Steamed white jasmine rice, option for easy comfort food
- Low-Carb Option: Cauliflower rice for the keto crowd.
- Noodles: Toss with soba or ramen noodles for a fancy meal.
- Veggie Boost: Pair it with steamed broccoli, bok choy or a fresh cucumber salad for a pop of freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 6g
This nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works great! Thighs are slightly juicier, but breast meat will be just as delicious if cooked carefully to avoid over-drying.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use veggie broth. Replace honey with maple syrup to make it vegan.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked Spicy Ginger Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in a microwave or stovetop.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, the cooked chicken and sauce freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
5. Is this recipe great for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare portions in advance with rice and veggies in meal prep containers for quick lunches and dinners.
Bringing Bold Flavors to Your Kitchen
This Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delightful culinary adventure. With its bold flavors, rich textures, and versatile serving options, you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over again. Ideal for busy weeknights or fancy dinners, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get creative by experimenting with garnishes and side dishes to make this meal uniquely yours. Whatever variations you try, one thing’s for sure—Spicy Ginger Chicken will be the star of your table.