Dive into this absolutely divine Ginger Chicken recipe, a classic Pakistani dish made in authentic desi style! It’s easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress guests without a lot of stress.

This recipe is quick, and cooking it is a breeze! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this mouthwatering dish. Serve it hot with some fried rice or, in a desi way, with fluffy naan, and watch everyone enjoy the deliciousness!

About The Recipe

Ginger Chicken is a dish that brings together the zing of ginger and juicy chicken, making it both delicious and super easy to whip up. The name itself gives a hint about what to expect, with ginger being the star ingredient.

It has its roots in Asian cooking, particularly Chinese cuisine, where it’s loved for its bold flavors. This dish is pretty flexible too, you can add all sorts of veggies and sauces to give it your own twist. What’s great is that it doesn’t take long to make, you can stir-fry it in no time.

Perfect for busy weeknights, ginger chicken is a fantastic option when you want a satisfying, quick meal that still tastes amazing!

How To Make Ginger Chicken (Step-wise Photo Guide)

1. Start by cleaning the boneless chicken and cutting it into small cubes or thick strips, depending on what you like. In a bowl, marinate those chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it until it’s tender and has a nice brown color. Take out and set aside.

3. In the same pan (if pan seems dry, add a little more oil) toss in chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté them together until they turn golden brown.

4. Next, add chopped tomatoes along with spices: salt, turmeric powder , coriander powder, cumin powder, and chili powder. Stir well and cook this mixture until it becomes thick and the oil starts to separate from the masala. If masala appears too dry, pour in about 1/4 cup of hot water to make the gravy a bit saucy but still thick.

5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix it with the masala to get all the flavors combined.

6. Finally, sprinkle some garam masala powder over the top, along with sliced green chilies and ginger. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

7. Serve it hot with fried rice, or just a desi way with some hot chapati’s and tomato chutney!

Indo-Chinese Style Ginger Chicken

When it comes to dishes like ginger chicken, you can really see how Chinese food has been adapted into what we now call Indo-Chinese cuisine. Basically, the flavors from traditional Chinese cooking get a unique twist that suits local tastes in South Asia.

In countries like India and Pakistan, chefs often add familiar ingredients like spices, making it a truly “desi” version of the dish. You might find things like garam masala or turmeric mixed in with the ginger and chicken.

This fusion makes ginger chicken not just a delicious meal but also something that feels like home. You can easily find it in local restaurants and street food stalls, where people enjoy it with that wonderful mix of Chinese and Pakistani flavors.

Explore Similar Recipes

One of the exciting things about Indo-Chinese dishes is how each recipe focuses on a main ingredient that drives the flavor. Take Manchurian, it’s well-known for its tangy and sweet sauce that really shines through. Now, with ginger chicken, the star of the show is definitely the ginger. Its spicy kick and fragrant aroma give the dish its character.

Other popular dishes, like Jalfrezi, also highlight a key ingredient, whether it’s veggies in tomato gravy. This focus makes each dish special and ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

What To Serve With Chicken Ginger?

One of the best things about ginger chicken is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Many people love to eat it with rice, whether it’s plain basmati or spicy fried rice. But in Pakistan, you’ll find that folks often opt for naan, as it’s actually quite popular to scoop up the ginger chicken with naan, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

How you enjoy ginger chicken makes it a hit for you, whether you prefer rice or bread. It’s all about creating a yummy and satisfying meal that fits right into local dining habits.

What Makes This Recipe Special

I’ve had my fair share of trying out different ginger chicken recipes before I finally found one that really hits the mark. Before I share any recipe with you, I always make sure to test it out with my family first. Their feedback is super helpful, and I tweak things until it’s just right!

One important trick I’ve learned is all about the garnish. I love using sliced green chilies and ginger to top off the dish. But here’s the key: after adding them to the chicken, I cover the lid and let steam cook on medium flame. This little step makes a big difference! It does two great things.

First, it brings out a lovely aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing! Plus, some people aren’t fans of biting down on crunchy ginger, which can be a bit strong. By doing so, you soften the ginger, keeping the flavor but making it way easier to enjoy.

Special Instructions To Make Ginger Chicken

• Marinate the chicken and try to let it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you can do 1-2 hours, even better! It’s like giving the chicken a flavor bath!
• Always go for fresh ginger instead of the powdered or old sitting in fridge stuff. Fresh ginger has a strong, spicy flavor and a wonderful smell that really makes the dish pop. You can slice it thin or grate it, which helps release all those yummy juices.
• How you cut the chicken matters! Try to cut it into even pieces, whether cubes or strips. This way, everything cooks evenly and comes out tasty. Plus, it looks nicer on the plate. You can decide what shape you prefer.
• Before adding chicken into gravy, stir-fry the marinated chicken in a pan separately. This gives it a nice brown color and keeps it juicy inside. Once the chicken is cooked and looks good, you can add it to the gravy. This way, the chicken stays tender and soaks up all the flavors without getting mushy.
• When you’re cooking, don’t cram too much chicken into the pan at once. If you do, the chicken can end up steaming instead of frying, which isn’t what you want. Give each piece some space so it can get that nice, crispy texture. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to make sure each piece gets browned perfectly.

Customising Chicken Ginger: Substitutes and Tips

• Using fresh ginger is the best way to go, but if you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use frozen ginger, it works fine. If neither is an option, you can use ginger powder, but just remember that it won’t taste quite the same. It’s better than nothing, but fresh or frozen is always better!
• If you want to change things up, you can use thick yogurt instead of tomatoes in the recipe. Make sure the yogurt is thick and creamy without any lumps, and definitely not sweet! This will give your ginger chicken a nice, tangy flavor and a creamy texture, making the dish unique.
• If you like a creamy texture in your dish, try adding 2 tablespoons of dairy cream toward the end of cooking. This will make the sauce rich and smooth. Just mix it in gently and let it warm up, don’t boil it so you get that delicious creamy finish!

Frequently Asked Questions