If you are craving a vibrant and deeply flavorful dish that is surprisingly simple to make, this Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with the aromatic punch of fresh garlic and zingy ginger, paired with sweet bell peppers and a luscious, glossy sauce, every bite offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish brings warmth and excitement to the table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this garlic ginger chicken recipe so irresistible. From the tender chicken thighs to the colorful peppers and rich sauces, everything combines into a mouthwatering symphony.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, they soak up the sauce better than chicken breasts.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For a neutral base that helps sear and cook the chicken and veggies beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is signature to this recipe.
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced: Brings a fresh, spicy zing that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and texture once cooked.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Offers a mild flavor and visual contrast to the red pepper.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers essential umami and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Boosts the savory richness with its slightly sweet complexity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the savory and tangy elements with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity to brighten the dish.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps form the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the flavors throughout cooking.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Freshness and a slight crunch for the final touch.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a nutty accent and pretty presentation.
How to Make Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Adding the chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper, cook them until they develop a golden brown crust on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds a seductive depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly so they do not burn. Cooking these until fragrant, roughly 1 minute, releases their intoxicating aroma, which lays the flavor foundation of this dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion along with the red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften just enough to retain a satisfying crunch and their bright colors pop vibrantly against the chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, mixing them with the tender-crisp vegetables. This reunion brings everything together as flavors begin to meld within the pan.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Mix
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. This luscious concoction will transform the dish, imparting sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat every piece. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the cornstarch-water blend, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky glaze that clings deliciously to the ingredients.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give the dish a taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or honey as you prefer. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds, adding a fresh burst and eye-catching detail before plating.
How to Serve Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that bring freshness and subtle nuttiness to this dish. They add an extra layer of color and texture, making the presentation as delightful as the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, absorbing every bit of the glossy sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside sautéed greens or cauliflower rice to keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this garlic ginger chicken over crispy lettuce cups or even wrapped in warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired taco. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili sauce can elevate the dish to a party-worthy delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic ginger chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful meal again without any loss in quality or taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by putting it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal freshness. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too, though thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb the sauce better. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook so they remain tender.
How spicy is this Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on the warm flavors of garlic and ginger, with no added chilies. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari, and make sure your oyster sauce doesn’t contain gluten or use a gluten-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This garlic ginger chicken recipe stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or even additional soy sauce with a small drizzle of fish sauce for a similar depth of flavor, though the exact taste will slightly differ.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly magical. It’s comforting, exciting, and versatile — perfect for busy nights or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Garlic Ginger Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Garlic Ginger Chicken stir-fry featuring tender chicken thighs sautéed with fresh garlic, ginger, and colorful bell peppers, coated in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté and Stir-fry
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the sautéed vegetables evenly.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and the dish is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or honey as desired for a balanced flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with tamari or gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- The dish can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat to retain the best texture.
