Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spicy peppers, the zing of fresh ginger, and the savory goodness of tender chicken. This dish is perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals, balanced with the richness of garlic and soy sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s quick to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to a dinner party.
Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient in this dish brings its own layer of flavor, from the spicy heat to the aromatic warmth of ginger.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best options for this dish. Chicken thighs will provide more flavor due to their higher fat content, but breasts work just as well for a leaner option.
Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger is the star of this dish, adding a warming, aromatic spice that balances the heat from the peppers and the savory flavors of the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds a rich, savory depth to the dish, complementing the ginger and spicy ingredients perfectly.
Chili Peppers
For that spicy kick, red chili peppers or jalapeños can be used. You can adjust the spice level based on your tolerance by adding more or fewer peppers.
Soy Sauce & Honey
Soy sauce provides umami and depth, while honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spiciness and ginger.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar adds a tangy, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the chicken and brings all the flavors together.
Scallions (Green Onions)
Scallions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the heat and sweetness in the dish. They can also be used as a garnish.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce and gives the chicken a deep, savory finish.
Cornstarch (Optional)
A bit of cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that sticks perfectly to the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight is easy and quick. Here’s how to prepare it:
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Slice the chicken breasts (or thighs) into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, while allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Ginger Sauce
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In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
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Grate or finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger and add it to the sauce mixture.
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Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and add them to the sauce as well.
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If you like extra heat, finely chop 1-2 red chili peppers or jalapeños and add them to the sauce.
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Optionally, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce to thicken it. Stir until smooth.
3. Cook the Chicken
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Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Ginger Sauce
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In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if necessary. Add the fresh ginger and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
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Add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer. If using, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
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Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
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Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spicy ginger sauce.
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Allow the chicken to cook for another 2 minutes in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve
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Once the chicken is fully coated in the sauce, remove from heat.
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Garnish with scallions (green onions) and optionally add some sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
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Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your preferred spice level. Start with one pepper and taste before adding more.
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Thickening the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering.
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Balance the Sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance it out.
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Both will absorb the ginger sauce well and provide a hearty alternative.
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Add Veggies: Stir-fry some vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or broccoli in the same skillet before adding the sauce for a complete, colorful meal.
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Peanut Butter Version: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty variation of the dish.
Substitutions
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Chicken: Use beef, pork, or even shrimp as an alternative to chicken.
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Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos as a soy-free option.
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Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as substitutes.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight pairs perfectly with:
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Steamed Rice: This is the ideal base to soak up the spicy, savory sauce.
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Noodles: Serve with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture.
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Veggies: Pair with stir-fried vegetables, a crisp salad, or a simple sauté of greens like spinach or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
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Asian-Inspired Sides: Serve with spring rolls, dumplings, or edamame for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Nutritional & Health Notes
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Chicken: A lean source of protein and B vitamins, especially niacin and B6.
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Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger also provides antioxidants and helps boost metabolism.
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Garlic: Packed with antioxidants and has immune-boosting properties.
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Chili Peppers: Contains capsaicin, which has been shown to promote fat loss and boost metabolism.
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Sesame Oil: High in healthy fats and antioxidants, providing a rich, nutty flavor.
This dish can be a healthy and delicious option when made with lean chicken and served with vegetables or a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat in a pan and serve over fresh rice or noodles.
2. Can I freeze Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add chili flakes, sriracha, or extra jalapeños to the sauce. You can also use hot chili oil in place of sesame oil for an additional fiery kick.
4. What can I serve with Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight?
Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. It’s also great with stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad on the side.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your chili paste (if using) is gluten-free.
