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