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
- 2–3 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
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients – this helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir well and set aside.
- 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
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- When the oil is hot (but not smoking), add half the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- 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).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.
Step 4: Create the Flavorful Base
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed.
- Add minced ginger, garlic, and chilies. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Stir your cornstarch slurry again (it settles quickly) and pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the spicy ginger sauce.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow it to absorb the flavors.
- 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