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
Scale
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.
