Chicken thighs work best in this recipe, as they tend to be more flavorful and higher in fat content than other cuts of chicken, so are less prone to drying out during the marinating and frying process. In the recipe above we’ve suggested using boneless and skinless chicken thighs, but some chefs will keep the skin on and add a touch of cornstarch to the recipe to crisp up the outer layer of the skin.
When marinating the chicken, make sure it’s all fully coated in the sauce before transferring to the fridge. We’ve advised marinating the meat for at least 30 minutes, but if you can leave the chicken overnight in the fridge the flavors will enhance.
It can be difficult to judge the right amount of ginger when purchasing it fresh from the grocery store. If you have any leftover ginger in your kitchen after making this dish, there are lots of ways to store it, even if it’s been peeled. Unpeeled ginger can last for up to a month in the fridge, and you can store peeled ginger in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge to extend its shelf life for future recipe use.
Sauce Variations and Spice Adjustments
The tastiest chicken and ginger recipes achieve that delicate balance of sweet and savory, and you can experiment with different ingredients to find the ideal mix for your palate. To deepen the umami richness of this dish, you can try adding soy sauce to the marinade, to introduce saltier flavors to the recipe. A splash of sake also brings a subtle sweetness to the sauce and added complexity, along with amplifying the savory and umami notes in the marinade.
If you want to add extra heat to the dish, you can add turmeric powder to the onions when frying, for additional spice in the sauce. A sprinkle of sliced red chili peppers is also the perfect way to garnish this dish and introduce subtle spiciness.
What to Serve with Ginger Chicken
When serving chicken recipes using ginger, take inspiration from Asian cuisine and plate with a fragrant bowl of pilau rice and sweet, mango chutney. If you’d prefer a dipping element, poppadoms and naan bread are also delicious with a helping of ginger chicken. Or enjoy alongside a serving of roasted green beans for a lighter midweek meal.
