This Chinese Honey Ginger Chicken recipe is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Designed for freezer cooking, it’s perfect for meal prepping and ensures you have a delicious meal ready to go on busy days. With tender chicken marinated in honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. The recipe is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and reheats wonderfully, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 1/4 cup water (if thickening the sauce)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
For Freezer Prep:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken pieces into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and lay it flat in the freezer. Label with the date and cooking instructions.
For Cooking (Thawed):
- Thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and marinade to the pan. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
For Cooking (Frozen):
- Place the frozen chicken and marinade in a covered skillet or slow cooker.
- For the skillet, cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
- For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Calories:
Approximately 280 calories per serving (based on 4 servings).
Healthy or Non-Healthy:
This recipe is relatively healthy, thanks to lean protein and a balanced mix of natural sweeteners and savory flavors. To make it even healthier, reduce the honey slightly or use a sugar-free substitute, and serve with plenty of steamed vegetables.
Enjoy this Chinese Honey Ginger Chicken as a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its freezer-friendly nature ensures you’ll always have a comforting, homemade dish ready in no time!