Oh, let me tell you about my spicy ginger chicken! This dish is a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat. The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and a splash of sriracha creates a sauce that’s just irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for a dinner party; I was a bit nervous, but as soon as my friends took that first bite, their eyes lit up! It was so satisfying to see them enjoy something I had whipped up with just a handful of ingredients. Now, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen, perfect for those weeknights when I want something quick yet delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on that zesty ginger flavor just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
How to Prepare *Spicy Ginger Chicken*
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering spicy ginger chicken! First things first, you’ll want to marinate the chicken. This step is crucial for infusing all that fantastic flavor into the meat. Just toss the chicken thighs into a bowl with the minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Make sure every piece is coated well and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating is where the magic happens! The longer you let your chicken soak up those flavors, the better it will taste. I usually try to give it at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, an hour is even better. Just cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to keep everything fresh.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, let’s get cooking! Heat up the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the marinated chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned—oh, that smell is heavenly! Once browned, pour in the leftover marinade and let it simmer, cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Trust me, you want to make sure it’s cooked through!
Finishing Touches
To finish off this dish, stir in the sesame oil for that nutty flavor, and toss in the chopped green onions. They add a lovely freshness! Serve it up hot, and get ready for a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to spicy ginger chicken, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just delicious but also reasonably balanced! Each serving typically contains around 350 calories, with about 15 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 25 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always good to have a tasty dish that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my spicy ginger chicken? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine, though it might cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
No problem! Just reduce the amount of sriracha or even leave it out entirely. You can add a splash of extra honey for sweetness instead.
What should I serve with spicy ginger chicken?
I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed veggies. The sauce is so good, you’ll want something to soak it all up!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and just cook it when you’re ready. Meal prep magic!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re all set for a gluten-free meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Gluten-free option available with just a simple swap for soy sauce.
- Uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its bold taste!
Tips for Success
To ensure your spicy ginger chicken turns out absolutely delicious, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the marinating process; the longer you let the chicken soak up those flavors, the tastier it will be! Second, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear—trust me, it makes a difference! Lastly, taste the sauce before serving; if you want more heat, a splash of extra sriracha can really elevate it. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover spicy ginger chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for a quick option. Just be careful not to overcook it, as you want to maintain that juicy, tender texture!
Print
Spicy Ginger Chicken: 5 Steps to Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked with spicy ginger sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the marinade and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in sesame oil and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha for desired spiciness.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: spicy ginger chicken, ginger chicken recipe, Asian chicken dish
