Description

This Zesty Spicy Ginger Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and topped with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Ready in under an hour, it’s a delicious and vibrant meal served best over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade & Chicken

1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Cooking Ingredients

2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

Serving & Garnish

Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to create a harmonious marinade base.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the marinade, tossing well to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, or up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
Heat the Oils: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and vegetable oil, heating until shimmering and hot enough for stir-frying.
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked through.
Add Bell Pepper: Introduce the thinly sliced bell pepper into the skillet. Stir-fry together with the chicken for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the pepper to become tender-crisp.
Finish with Garnishes: Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the skillet mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 more minute to blend flavors.
Season to Taste: Adjust the dish by adding salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring the perfect balance of seasoning.
Serve: Plate the zesty spicy ginger chicken atop cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright, aromatic finish and serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but skinless chicken breasts can be substituted if desired.
Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours to deepen flavor but should not exceed that to avoid texture changes.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Make sure to discard excess marinade before cooking to prevent sogginess and ensure proper browning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.