SPICY GINGER CHICKEN DELIGHT

I can almost smell the fragrant aromas wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen as I think about it. She always made the most amazing meals, but one dish that always stood out was her subtly sweet and spicy chicken stir-fry. With its perfect blend of warmth from the ginger, a gentle kick from chili, and tender chicken, it was, and still is, pure comfort food. Today, I’m going to share my version of that nostalgic dish with you, and together we’ll create the most incredible Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight you’ve ever tasted!

Unlocking the Flavors of Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight

Okay, my friend, let’s get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! This Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight is going to be a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and the aroma alone will have your family begging for dinner. Don’t be intimidated if it seems a little complex at first. I’m going to break it down into easy-to-follow steps, so you can create this masterpiece with confidence. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you cook for!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s talk about why this dish is so special. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the spice level to your liking, swap out the vegetables, and even use different cuts of chicken. But what truly sets it apart is the complex interplay of flavors. The ginger provides a warm, zesty base, while the chili adds a touch of heat. The soy sauce and honey create a sweet and savory glaze that clings to the chicken and vegetables, making every bite a symphony of taste. You can even serve it with rice or noodles. Did you know that you can use some of the same flavors when you are preparing CHICKEN TORTELLINI?

The Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumps in your sauce.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard the marinade) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, broccoli florets, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The vegetables should still have a bit of bite to them.
5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. You’ll notice the sauce becoming glossy and coating the vegetables beautifully.
6. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice, if desired. This dish is also amazing on its own!

Success Tips for Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight

Ready to turn this recipe into a culinary masterpiece? Here are my top tips for nailing this Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight every single time:

• Marinating is Key: Don’t skip the marinating step! It’s essential for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference, but an hour or two is even better.
• Fresh Ginger is a Must: Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Ground ginger just doesn’t compare. I like to use a microplane to grate the ginger finely, so it blends seamlessly into the marinade and sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and no longer.
• Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: Not a fan of spice? Reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili.
• Prep Your Ingredients in Advance: This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have all your vegetables chopped and your sauce mixed before you start cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites. Snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn are all great additions.
• Protein: You can also use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Sweetener: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Spice: For a different kind of heat, try using sriracha or gochujang in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles, such as lo mein or udon noodles. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad.

Make it a Meal:

Here are a few ideas for making this dish the centerpiece of a complete meal:

• Appetizer: Serve with spring rolls or egg rolls.
• Side Dish: Add a side of edamame or seaweed salad.
• Dessert: Finish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of mango.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat. You might need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. This dish is also a great option for meal prepping! You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week. It is also a good make-ahead meal because you can prepare it like SMOTHERED CHICKEN.

Freezing Instructions:

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Cook the chicken and vegetables as directed, then let them cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the sauce and cook as directed.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight, I’m confident you’ll find even more chicken inspiration in some of my other favorite recipes. They all share that same commitment to bold flavors and easy-to-follow instructions that I know you appreciate!

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, try these addictive BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS. They’re always a hit at parties and potlucks. Or, for a comforting and hearty meal, you can never go wrong with a big pot of CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially on a chilly day. For a fun and casual meal, try these crazy good CHICKEN SLIDERS.

And, if you’re looking for a dish with a bit of a kick, you absolutely must try this CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP. It’s packed with flavor and spice that will warm you from the inside out.

Final Thoughts: Your Spicy Ginger Chicken Triumph

There you have it, friend! You’ve just unlocked the secrets to making an incredible Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and share your delicious creation with loved ones. Now go forth and create some culinary magic!

Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight

Amelia

This Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight is a flavorful stir-fry with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Tender chicken is marinated and cooked with colorful vegetables in a delicious ginger-soy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula or tongs
• Microplane or grater

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce for marinade
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for marinade
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for marinade
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for marinade
• 1 clove garlic, minced for marinade
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to your spice preference
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil for marinade
• ¼ cup soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger for sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced for sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil for sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup sliced carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving optional

Instructions

 

• Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard the marinade) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, broccoli florets, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ginger and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. To freeze, cook the chicken and vegetables without the sauce, cool, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the sauce and cook as directed.