Imperial Chinese Ginger Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Imperial Chinese Ginger Chicken is a delightful dish that marries the simplicity of home cooking with the rich flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. With the aromatic freshness of ginger and garlic, this recipe transforms everyday chicken into a memorable meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Imperial Chinese Ginger Chicken

Chicken breast is the star here, providing a lean source of protein that absorbs flavors beautifully. Vegetable oil is used for sautéing because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic base, bringing warmth and depth to the dish. The soy sauce adds a savory umami note, while rice vinegar offers a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness of honey. A touch of white pepper elevates the flavors with a subtle heat. Finally, fresh green onions and sesame seeds provide a vibrant garnish that adds both color and texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even cooking, cut your chicken into uniform cubes.
  • Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; powdered ginger just won’t cut it here.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it in the final simmer.
  • Adjust the honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice. A light cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicier than breasts.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the chicken’s tenderness.

Imperial Chinese Ginger Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking, so give it a minute or two to warm up. Once ready, toss in the minced garlic and thinly sliced ginger. Stir them around until they're fragrant, but keep an eye out to prevent burning. This should only take about a minute.

Next, add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Spread it out so each piece has contact with the pan, and cook until the chicken turns a nice golden brown on all sides. This will take around 5–7 minutes. Browning the chicken is key here — it locks in the juices and builds flavor.

Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Sprinkle in the white pepper and give everything a good mix, ensuring the chicken is well coated with all that saucy goodness. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the chicken continue to cook for another 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.

When you’re ready to serve, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They add a pop of color and a nutty finish that rounds everything off beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Rich in flavor thanks to the perfect balance of soy sauce and ginger.
  • Versatile enough for family dinners or entertaining guests.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 inches ginger, sliced thinly
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish
1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook until it turns golden brown on all sides.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and white pepper.
5. Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer for another 10 minutes until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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