If you are looking to impress your taste buds with bold flavor and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe is just what you need. Each bite offers a delightful punch from fresh ginger and chili paste, enhanced by a symphony of spices and a subtle hint of honey for a touch of sweetness. This dish comes together with simple ingredients yet delivers an unforgettable experience that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re craving something comforting or a dish with a little kick, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of straightforward yet vibrant ingredients that add layers of taste, texture, and color to your Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe. Each item plays an essential role—from the zesty freshness of ginger and garlic to the warm undertones of cumin and cinnamon, every component helps bring this dish to life.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown and locking in juices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender, lean protein base for this recipe.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Adds bright, spicy warmth that defines the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Enhances aroma and depth of flavor instantly.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory umami and balances sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: A subtle tang that brightens every bite.
- Honey: Offers a natural sweetness to mellow the heat.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty, toasted aroma essential to Asian-inspired recipes.
- Chili paste: Provides the chili kick that spices up the dish beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth to the spice blend.
- Ground turmeric: Brings a lovely golden color and subtle bitterness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds unexpected warmth and depth.
- Ground black pepper: Enhances overall spice with a sharp bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Heats up the recipe further for true spice lovers.
- Green onions, chopped: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds: Garnish for a crunchy texture and a toasty finish.
How to Make Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Spice Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready when your chicken is perfectly seared. While it heats, combine all your aromatic ingredients—ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, chili paste, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and green onions—in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe, blending heat, sweetness, and complex spice in one vibrant sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor. Once your pan is hot and shimmering, sear each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust that contrasts with the tender inside.
Step 3: Add the Ginger Spice Mixture
After searing, pour the ginger and spice blend directly over the chicken in the skillet. Allow the sauce to envelop the breasts, coating them fully. This is where your dish starts to get really exciting—it soaks up those incredible flavors and becomes irresistibly aromatic.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. This timing ensures the chicken cooks through gently while letting the sauce thicken and fully infuse the meat with all those wonderful spices. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s ready to come out.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken immediately before serving. These seeds add a delightful texture and a nutty scent, giving your Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe that final touch of flavor sophistication.
How to Serve Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro make excellent garnishes to brighten the dish. Not only do they add vibrant color, but their fresh, crisp flavor contrasts beautifully with the warm, spicy sauce, elevating the entire presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, as these mild bases soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed greens—both add refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil and a light soy dressing. Or, wrap slices in lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of shredded carrot for a hand-held delight that’s perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Spicy Ginger Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy another flavorful meal without any extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bags. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sauce luscious and prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.
How spicy is this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to chili paste and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice to suit your palate by increasing or decreasing these ingredients.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and the dish will fit perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
While this recipe is designed for chicken, you can substitute firm tofu or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian option. Just adapt cooking times accordingly and enjoy the same bold flavors.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer everything into a baking dish before popping it into the oven.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that brings warmth, spice, and a touch of sweetness all at once—and this Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe does exactly that. It’s straightforward, full of flavor, and adaptable enough to suit your style. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Spicy Ginger Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and baked in a zesty blend of fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and warming spices. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a hint of aromatic sesame, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, chili paste, ground cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade.
- Heat the Skillet: Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear until each side turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious crust.
- Add the Marinade: Pour the prepared ginger and spice mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Spicy Ginger Chicken along with your favorite sides and enjoy this aromatic and spicy dish!
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the amount of chili paste and red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to balance the spiciness of the chicken.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken and marinade to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
