Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

Crispy fried chicken coated in the best sticky, sweet, ginger sauce is a dish everyone loves. This Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes needed, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank on takeout. Plus, it’s versatile enough for various occasions, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a party appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress everyone.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap chicken thighs for breasts or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money on takeout by recreating this popular dish at home with affordable ingredients.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this ginger chicken.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Digital meat thermometer
• Wire rack or paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: A spacious pan allows you to fry the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Digital meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and turning chicken pieces while frying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or with chicken breast)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch for coating chicken)

For the Sauce

• 2 tsp regular soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger (peeled & grated)
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey, coconut sugar or white sugar)
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger (peeled & grated)
• 2 tsp sesame oil (toasted)
• 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or Dry sherry wine or chicken broth)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or sub with potato starch)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock (low-sodium kind)

For Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped; optional for garnish)
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (toasted; optional for garnish)

How to Make Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Set aside so flavors can meld together.

Step 2: Dice the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes. Transfer diced chicken into a large mixing bowl and add seasoning ingredients.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Sprinkle cornstarch over the diced chicken. Use tongs to toss until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 7-9 minutes total. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F before removing from pan. Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and pour prepared sauce into the pan. Simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, toss in cooked chicken pieces. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

Serving Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken is all about pairing it with the right accompaniments. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors.

With Steamed Rice

• White Rice: A classic pairing, plain white rice absorbs the delicious ginger sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma complements the chicken’s sweetness perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Lettuce Leaves: Use crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with ginger chicken.
• Add Toppings: Include shredded carrots or chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

Over Noodles

• Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles soak up the sauce well, creating a comforting meal.
• Rice Noodles: For a gluten-free option, rice noodles provide a light base that pairs nicely with the dish.

As Part of a Stir-Fry Bowl

• Vegetables: Serve the ginger chicken over a bed of sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal.
• Sauce Drizzle: Add an extra drizzle of hoisin sauce for more depth of flavor.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

To achieve the best results with Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken, follow these helpful tips that will enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic. They add a stronger flavor compared to dried versions.
• Marinate Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in soy sauce and ginger for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Control Heat Levels: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain high heat. This ensures it gets crispy instead of steaming.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Allow the sauce to simmer until it coats the back of a spoon for perfect consistency.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishing! Green onions and sesame seeds add both flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

Complementing your Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Stir-Fried Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the chicken.
2. Fried Rice: A classic choice that combines leftover rice with vegetables and soy sauce for added texture and flavor.
3. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds crunch and brightness to your meal.
4. Miso Soup: A warm miso soup serves as a comforting starter that pairs well with Asian flavors.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a bit of sweetness that complements the ginger’s spice.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much oil: Excessive oil can make the chicken greasy. Use just enough to cover the bottom of the pan for frying.
• Not marinating properly: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many pieces at once can result in uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to ensure crispy chicken.
• Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on cooking times and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Skipping the sauce thickening: Not simmering the sauce enough can result in a watery coating. Allow it to thicken before adding the chicken for a better glaze.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your leftover Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The dish is best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just be aware that they may take less time to cook.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make your Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

What can I serve with ginger chicken?

Serve this dish with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I air fry this recipe?

Absolutely! For air frying, follow the same breading instructions but cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Ginger Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade restaurant-quality meal!