Spicy ginger chicken has been my family’s go-to dinner for as long as I can remember. It’s the dish my grandma used to make whenever we’d visit, and the comforting aroma of ginger and chili would fill the entire house, instantly making our mouths water. I can still picture myself as a little kid, sitting at the kitchen table, watching her carefully prepare each ingredient with such love and precision. She’d let me help sometimes, like stirring the sauce or chopping the green onions, and I felt so proud to be part of the process.
Grandma’s Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe was the stuff of legends – the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and tenderness that had us all going back for seconds (and thirds!). Even though she’s no longer with us, I’m grateful to have learned her techniques, and I still make this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe at least once a month. It’s become a staple in my household, and I love seeing my own kids enjoy the same flavors I grew up with.
Why This Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
What sets this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe apart is the way the flavors meld together to create a truly irresistible dish. The key is in the balance of the spicy, gingery marinade and the tender, juicy chicken. The marinade infuses the meat with an incredible depth of flavor, while the high-heat cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, experimenting with different techniques and ingredient ratios, and I can confidently say that this is the best Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe you’ll ever try. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family and friends begging you to make it again and again.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe. The dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and the skin gets wonderfully crispy when seared.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is a must-have for this recipe. You’ll want about 2 inches of ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced. The ginger provides a bold, spicy-sweet flavor that’s the backbone of the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic complements the ginger and adds depth to the marinade. I like to use about 3-4 cloves.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce lends a savory, umami note to the marinade. Go for a low-sodium variety to keep the dish from getting too salty.
- Chili garlic sauce: This spicy condiment provides the heat in the Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
- Brown sugar: A bit of brown sugar helps balance the heat and ginger flavors, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions, both the white and green parts, add a fresh, oniony kick and beautiful color.
Step-by-Step Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
This Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe comes together quickly, with just about 15 minutes of active prep time and 30 minutes of cooking. You’ll need a large resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating the chicken, a skillet or wok for searing, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, combine the chicken thighs, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2- When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and, working in batches if needed, sear the chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
3- Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate.
4- In the same skillet, add the sliced green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
5- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces back into the green onions. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6- Remove the Spicy Ginger Chicken from heat, garnish with extra green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Success
– Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours, for maximum flavor.
– Be sure to pat the chicken dry before searing to get that perfect crispy skin.
– Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken – work in batches if needed.
– Keep an eye on the chicken during the final cooking stage to prevent overcooking.
Serving and Storing Your Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
This Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, to soak up all the flavorful juices. For a more complete meal, try serving it with stir-fried veggies, like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A simple green salad or a side of pickled cucumbers would also be delicious.
If you’re looking to turn this into a complete Asian-inspired feast, consider serving the Spicy Ginger Chicken with egg rolls, dumplings, or spring rolls as appetizers. And don’t forget the beverages – a cold beer, iced green tea, or even a fruity bubble tea would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Spicy Ginger Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and any remaining sauce in a skillet and warm over medium heat until heated through.
You can also make this recipe in advance and freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The chicken may lose a bit of crispness when reheated, but the flavor will still be outstanding.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
Creative Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe Variations
While the classic Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless breasts for a leaner option. You could also use a mix of both dark and white meat for added texture.
For a seasonal twist, try adding diced bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet during the final cooking stage. In the fall, roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash would be a delicious complement. And if you’re craving something a little sweeter, a splash of orange juice or a handful of pineapple chunks could be a tasty addition.
Making Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try:
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce. To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work great in this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.
Q: How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
A: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating and make sure to get the skin nice and brown when searing. You can also finish the chicken in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes after searing to really crisp up the skin.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe in advance. Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead of time, then sear and finish cooking when ready to serve. You can also make the full recipe and reheat the cooked chicken as needed.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The level of spiciness in this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe can be adjusted to your taste. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce and add more if you want extra heat. You can also balance the spice with a bit more brown sugar or serve the chicken with a cooling side dish, like steamed rice.
Q: What should I do if the chicken is undercooked?
A: If the chicken isn’t quite cooked through after the recommended cooking time, simply cover the skillet and continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the exterior from burning.
Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Prepare a delectable Spicy Ginger Chicken dish that’s bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
– 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. 2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
3. 3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
5. 5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. 6. Serve the Spicy Ginger Chicken immediately over cooked white rice.
Notes
For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Conclusion
This Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe is a true family favorite that I know you’re going to love. The combination of bold, spicy flavors and perfectly cooked, tender chicken is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media – I’d love to see your creations! Enjoy!
