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Spicy Ginger Chicken

spicy ginger chicken - featured image

This Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe features juicy chicken coated in a sticky, ginger-infused sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s a quick, bold, and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust for spice level; jalapeño or omit for milder taste)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or other Asian chili sauce (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • 23 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches each). Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss chicken in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, sliced chilies, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and sriracha (if using). Taste and adjust honey or chili as desired.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10–15 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to sear. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  6. Pour in the reserved marinade. Simmer, stirring, until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and turns glossy and sticky (2–3 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your sriracha. Adjust chilies and sriracha for desired spice level. Chicken breast can be substituted for thighs; tofu or tempeh for vegetarian. Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition. Let sauce simmer longer if not thick enough, or add a cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy ginger chicken, Asian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken, ginger chicken, sticky chicken, meal prep chicken, gluten-free option, dairy-free, quick chicken recipe