There’s something truly special about the combination of tender chicken, bold spices, and the warm, fragrant heat of fresh ginger. This Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings comfort with every bite.
This dish is a staple in many Asian-inspired kitchens, often enjoyed as a hearty main course served with fluffy rice or crispy vegetables. The fiery kick of spices balanced with the natural sweetness of ginger makes it a go-to meal for chilly nights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
If you love recipes that are quick to make yet packed with bold flavors, this Spicy Ginger Chicken is perfect for you. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, the homemade sauce is completely customizable, so you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Full of Flavor: The bold combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and chili creates a deliciously spicy and aromatic dish.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How to Make Spicy Ginger Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a beautiful sear when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the magic begins! The sizzling ginger and garlic release their aroma, filling your kitchen with warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Spice
Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using). Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for that extra spicy kick. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy every bite of this spicy, gingery goodness.
Helpful Tips
- Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. For extra heat, add a chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides the best flavor compared to ground ginger. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
- Crispier Chicken: For an even crispier texture, sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece gets a nice golden-brown crust.
- Make it Saucy: If you like extra sauce to drizzle over rice or noodles, double the sauce ingredients and simmer a little longer.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be used in wraps, salads, or even as a topping for grain bowls.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or even quinoa work great. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Spicy Ginger Chicken, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken
- Crispy Gobi Manchurian – A Flavor-Packed Indo-Chinese Delight
- Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
Conclusion
This Spicy Ginger Chicken is the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors, making it a must-try recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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Spicy Ginger Chicken
Description
There’s something truly special about the combination of tender chicken, bold spices, and the warm, fragrant heat of fresh ginger. This Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings comfort with every bite.
This dish is a staple in many Asian-inspired kitchens, often enjoyed as a hearty main course served with fluffy rice or crispy vegetables. The fiery kick of spices balanced with the natural sweetness of ginger makes it a go-to meal for chilly nights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
If you love recipes that are quick to make yet packed with bold flavors, this Spicy Ginger Chicken is perfect for you. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, the homemade sauce is completely customizable, so you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a beautiful sear when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the magic begins! The sizzling ginger and garlic release their aroma, filling your kitchen with warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Spice
Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using). Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for that extra spicy kick. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy every bite of this spicy, gingery goodness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be used in wraps, salads, or even as a topping for grain bowls.