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Best Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe - 30 Minute Meal with 5 Star Flavor

Best Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe – 30 Minute Meal with 5 Star Flavor


  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Asian-inspired Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe combines the warmth of fresh ginger with just the right amount of heat to create a memorable dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

For the Spicy Ginger Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced (about a 3-inch piece)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 23 red chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Garnish:

  • 4 green onions, sliced diagonally
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients – this helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

  1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir well and set aside.
  2. Prepare your cornstarch slurry in a separate small bowl by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  2. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), add half the chicken pieces in a single layer.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
  5. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.

Step 4: Create the Flavorful Base

  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed.
  2. Add minced ginger, garlic, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Stir your cornstarch slurry again (it settles quickly) and pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
  2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the spicy ginger sauce.
  4. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb the flavors.
  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • For maximum flavor, prepare all sauce ingredients before you start cooking the chicken.
  • Use the edge of a spoon to easily peel fresh ginger, then freeze any leftover ginger for future use.
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken – this ensures proper browning.
  • For extra spice, leave the seeds in your chilies or add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce.
  • If you prefer a milder version, remove chili seeds or substitute with red pepper flakes.
  • Dark meat (chicken thighs) stays juicier in this recipe, but breast meat works well too.
  • For the best ginger flavor, always use fresh ginger rather than dried or powdered.

Storage & Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: spicy ginger chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Asian chicken recipe, ginger chicken stir fry, quick weeknight meal, spicy chicken recipe, healthy chicken recipe