Ginger Honey Chicken

Zesty Ginger Honey Chicken | Homely Recipes

Alt Text: Ginger Honey Chicken

Ginger Honey Chicken combines sweet honey, zesty ginger, tangy lime, and a hint of spice for a truly irresistible flavor. This easy weeknight chicken dish features tender thighs marinated in a garlicky ginger honey blend, then pan-seared or baked until perfectly juicy. The marinade infuses flavor quickly in 30–60 minutes (no need to marinate ginger honey chicken overnight), making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Asian-inspired dishes, this ginger honey chicken recipe is straightforward, crowd-pleasing, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Ginger Honey Chicken

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for ginger honey flavor)
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated (key for ginger honey chicken)
• 3 Tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup)
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 Tbsp Sriracha (or another chili paste; adjust to taste)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable or peanut oil (for cooking)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional; to thicken the ginger honey glaze)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garnishes (optional): chopped green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, cilantro

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl and whisk (or resealable plastic bag)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet (or grill pan) or a baking sheet
• Spatula or tongs
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
• Instant-read meat thermometer (to ensure chicken reaches 165 °F)

Preparation Steps

Make the Ginger Honey Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, Sriracha, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This balanced blend of acid, fat, and seasonings is essential for authentic ginger honey chicken flavor.

Marinate the Ginger Honey Chicken

2. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl (or a zip-top bag) and pour half of the ginger honey marinade over them, reserving the rest for glazing later. Toss to coat each piece well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Tip: Marinating longer than 2 hours can start to change the chicken’s texture because of the lime juice, so stick to that window for optimal juiciness.

Preheat and Prep

3. If baking, preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lightly oil a baking sheet. If using the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1–2 Tbsp oil. This hot oil will sear the ginger honey chicken quickly and lock in moisture.

Cook the Ginger Honey Chicken

4. Remove the ginger honey chicken from the marinade and pat it dry (discard any marinade that touched raw chicken, or reserve to cook as a safe glaze). Season each thigh lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Skillet method: Place the thighs in the hot skillet and cook 5–6 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches 165 °F internally.
   • Oven method: Arrange thighs on the prepared baking sheet and bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
   Always check with an instant-read thermometer: safe chicken temperature is 165 °F (USDA Food Safety Guidelines).

Make the Ginger Honey Glaze

5. While the chicken cooks or immediately after removing it, pour the reserved ginger honey marinade into a small saucepan. (If you didn’t reserve any, combine 3 Tbsp honey, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp lime juice, and ½ cup water for a quick ginger honey glaze.) Whisk in the cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbsp water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy glaze (about 2 minutes).

Glaze the Ginger Honey Chicken

6. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet (or place on a serving platter) and brush or spoon the glaze generously over each piece. The sticky ginger honey coating will cling beautifully to the chicken’s surface, creating layered sweetness and warmth.

Rest and Serve

7. Let the ginger honey chicken rest for 2–3 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This ginger honey chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles, letting the sweet-ginger glaze soak in. For a balanced plate, serve alongside:

• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy).
• A crisp green salad or shredded carrot slaw with a lime-vinegar dressing.
• Cucumber salad or lettuce wraps to complement the warm sweet-spicy notes.
• Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, and lime wedges add freshness and texture.

Feel free to customize by mixing in stir-fry favorites or serving over fried rice for an extra hearty meal (see our Homemade Chicken Marinade Recipes for more marinade ideas).

Storage Tips

Leftover ginger honey chicken stores and reheats beautifully. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container with any extra glaze and refrigerate for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked pieces (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through.

For additional food safety guidance, refer to USDA Food Safety.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, so check them early to avoid dryness. Browning times may be slightly shorter for breasts; always ensure they reach 165 °F internally. Thighs, however, stay juicier and handle the ginger honey glaze beautifully.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase heat, add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ginger honey marinade. To tone it down, skip the Sriracha and use a sprinkle of chili flakes at the end. The natural sweetness from honey balances the spice well.

3. What sides complement ginger honey chicken?
Serve with fluffy jasmine rice, rice noodles, or a quick cabbage slaw for crunch. Sautéed greens (such as bok choy or spinach) also work great. For inspiration on vegetable stir-fries, check out this Serious Eats Marinade Guide.

4. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
We recommend marinating for 30–60 minutes only; longer (beyond 2 hours) can make the chicken texture a bit mushy due to the lime juice. Short marination ensures the ginger honey flavor penetrates without over-acidifying the meat.

5. Is it safe to use leftover marinade as a sauce?
Yes—provided you boil it first to eliminate any bacteria from raw chicken. In this recipe, we reserve part of the ginger honey marinade to cook separately (with cornstarch) so it becomes a safe, sticky glaze.