Ginger Rum Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 4
A perfectly balanced fusion of sweet honey, the earthy warmth of rum, and the zesty kick of ginger make this Ginger Rum Chicken recipe a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with a serving of cooked rice. The ease and speed at which this dish comes together, combined with the rich, aromatic sauce, are what make it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and more casual weekend feasts.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skinless chicken breast halves | 4 pieces |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Rum | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Preserved gingerroot (minced) | 1/4 cup |
| Nutmeg (freshly grated) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 317.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 116.5 mg |
| Sodium | 123.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 35.4 g |
| Protein | 28.8 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature when it’s time to bake the chicken.
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Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breast halves with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This will give the chicken a flavorful base before you add the luscious sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
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Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a shallow roasting pan. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all the chicken breasts without overcrowding, as this will allow the chicken to cook evenly and brown nicely.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk until it becomes light and slightly frothy. Once you have achieved the desired texture, add the honey, rum, and chicken stock. Beat this mixture well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, liquid sauce.
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Add Aromatics to the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, preserved gingerroot, and freshly grated nutmeg. These ingredients will infuse the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and rum with a bit of spice and tang. Stir until fully combined.
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Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the roasting pan. The sauce should coat the chicken entirely, creating a beautiful glaze as it cooks.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the chicken, cooking times may vary, so be sure to check for doneness. The chicken should be fully cooked through, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
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Baste the Chicken: To ensure that the chicken stays moist and the sauce thickens beautifully, baste the chicken every 15 minutes with the pan juices. This will help build layers of flavor and give the chicken a glossy, golden finish.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is rich and thickened, remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes—cooked rice is an excellent accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Ginger Rum Chicken
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Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered or dried versions. Fresh aromatics will infuse the sauce with a more vibrant and authentic taste.
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Customize the Heat: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick. The sweetness of the honey and rum will balance the heat nicely.
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Make It a Meal: For a complete meal, serve the chicken alongside steamed vegetables, a side salad, or a fresh green bean dish. You could also serve it with a fluffy quinoa or couscous for a nutritious alternative to rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ginger Rum Chicken strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and aromatic. The honey adds a rich sweetness that complements the subtle warmth of rum, while the garlic and ginger root provide depth and spice. Baking the chicken in this flavorful sauce ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and the perfect dish to impress your family or guests without requiring a lot of preparation time. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can easily make a dish that’s both bold in flavor and incredibly satisfying.
This Ginger Rum Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its tropical undertones, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or a special meal to impress friends. Enjoy the harmony of flavors, the convenience of a quick prep time, and the luxurious results. Happy cooking!
