Ginger Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that make my taste buds dance with joy, and it hits that comfort food spot without taking forever to make. Plus, the aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen while it cooks is pure coziness in the air—can’t go wrong with that! 🍗🥢

The recipe’s freshness of flavor is rooted in the zing of ginger, which I simply adore with chicken. My version of this popular Asian dish stars bite-sized, tender pieces of chicken thighs, which are always moist and juicy.

First, a brief word about the chicken: If you’re inclined to use chicken breast, please don’t! The cooking time is too short for the lean breast meat, which also lacks the moist and juicy quality I’ve come to expect from this dish.

I season the chicken with sliced garlic and freshly grated ginger, which adds a delightful depth. And I have a thing for scallions—one of my favorite ingredients in Asian cuisine—so I also toss some of these in at the end.

Scallions have a light onion flavor and a pleasant crunch when they’re only slightly cooked. The sesame seeds are both a surprise and a key ingredient.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs:
Full of flavor, plentiful in protein, and naturally tender.

Ginger:
Spice that is fresh and zesty.

Known for anti-inflammatory effects.

Garlic:
Fragrant, zesty; promotes cardiovascular wellness and strengthens immunity.

Soy Sauce:
Delivers tasty umami flavor; foundation for numerous Asian recipes.

Honey:
Provides natural sweetness; a more healthful alternative to sugar.

Sesame Oil:
The aroma is nutty; it has healthy fats that are essential to the depth of flavor.

Rice Vinegar:
Bright and tangy; brings acidity into play for harmonization.

Green Onions:
Newly chopped green onions; mild onion taste and color.

Chicken Broth:
Deepens flavor; gives the dish moisture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, bring the vegetable oil to medium-high heat.

2. Sauté the onion until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.

3. Combine the garlic and ginger, cooking for an extra1-2 minutes until sweet-smelling.

4. Add the pieces of chicken to the skillet and sauté until browned on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add sesame oil, white pepper, and salt, then whisk together until well blended.

6. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat well.

7. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the broth to a simmer.

8. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

9. Find it and turn the heat up to medium-high to thicken the sauce, stirring it once in a while for 2-3 minutes.

10. Before serving, add sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Grater (for ginger)
6. Small bowl
7. Whisk
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?Yes, you can use chicken breast; however, thigh meat tends to be juicier and more flavorsome in this recipe.
• Q: Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can serve as substitutes for rice vinegar.
• Q: Can I make this dish spicy?Q: Is it possible to add heat to the dish?

  A: You can absolutely add heat to the dish in multiple ways! Try using red pepper flakes or a chopped chili, for instance!

• Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?A: Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?The refrigerator can hold any uneaten food for up to 3 days, so long as it is kept in a container that is completely sealed. After a meal, store whatever is left in a container that will keep it fresh and safe to eat for another day, and then consume it. If you recreate a dish, it may resemble the original too closely; eat it anyway, and smile while doing so.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?Q: Save time by marinating the chicken a few hours ahead with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Substitutions and Variations

For a leaner alternative, boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used in place of chicken thighs.
You can substitute olive oil or coconut oil for vegetable oil.
If you want the mild flavor of shallots, you can use them in place of onions.
If needed, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger can replace fresh ginger.
Instead of using soy sauce, one can opt for tamari as a gluten-free alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the depth of flavor in the finished dish.

2. Use a Nonstick Skillet or Wok Using a nonstick skillet or wok can help prevent the chicken and aromatics from sticking and make the sautéing process smoother, especially when browning the chicken.

3. Brown the Chicken Well Ensure the chicken pieces are well browned before adding the sauce. This caramelization adds a rich flavor to the dish and improves the texture of the chicken.

4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

5. Customize the Heat Level If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.