Ginger Chicken Recipe: A Perfectly Grilled Delight for Busy Weeknights
If you’re searching for a quick yet flavorful dinner option that fits perfectly into your busy routine, this Ginger Chicken recipe will become your go-to dish. Ideal for busy individuals or families, it allows you to prep the chicken in advance, marinate it throughout the day, and finish cooking it in less than 45 minutes. This grilled ginger chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it an ideal dinner for any summer evening.
Ginger Chicken Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Category: Whole Chicken
- Calories per Serving: 430.7 kcal
Ingredients for Ginger Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vermouth | 1/4 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses or Dark Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Ground Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Fryer Chicken (cut into pieces) | 1 whole (approximately 3-4 lbs) |
Nutritional Information per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 20.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 131.6 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1136.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 17.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 12 g |
| Protein Content | 42.8 g |
Instructions for Making Ginger Chicken
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Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the vermouth, soy sauce, molasses or dark brown sugar, fresh ground pepper, and grated fresh ginger. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. -
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Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken into a large food-grade plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all parts are coated evenly. Seal the bag and gently turn it to coat the chicken thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes for a quicker marinade or in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. For best results, you can also marinate the chicken for 8-9 hours, turning the bag occasionally for more flavor infusion. -
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing for direct grilling over hot coals. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. -
Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the bag and discard the marinade. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill, ensuring not to overcrowd the grill. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during grilling, but be sure to let it cook well after basting, as the marinade has come into contact with raw chicken. -
Check for Doneness:
Grill the chicken for about 45 minutes, checking for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. -
Serve the Chicken:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the hot ginger chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips for Perfect Ginger Chicken
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Marinating Tip: For a more intense flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This gives the ginger and soy sauce more time to infuse into the chicken, resulting in a deeper, richer taste.
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Grilling Tips: If you’re looking for that perfect grill mark, ensure that the grill is properly preheated. Place the chicken on the grill, and resist the urge to move it around too much—this ensures the skin crisps up and develops beautiful grill lines.
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Alternative Proteins: While this recipe is made with fryer chicken, you can easily swap it for chicken thighs or breasts if preferred. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
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Side Dishes: This ginger chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or even a crunchy Asian-style slaw for a complete and balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ginger Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who needs a quick yet flavorful meal after a long day. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels like it came from a fine dining restaurant. Plus, the simplicity of grilling makes it an ideal recipe for warm summer nights or any time you’re craving that smoky, grilled flavor.
Not only is this chicken high in protein, but it’s also a healthier choice compared to many other grilled meats, thanks to the light marinade and lean chicken. The combination of soy sauce, molasses, and ginger creates a balanced sweetness with a hint of savory and spicy flavors, making every bite a treat.
Conclusion
In just under an hour, you’ll have a mouthwatering, flavorful meal ready to serve, thanks to this easy Ginger Chicken recipe. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or planning it for a weekend cookout, it’s sure to impress. Pair it with some steamed rice and your favorite vegetables, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Enjoy this dish and make it a regular part of your meal rotation.
