dinner ready in 20 minutes - ginger glazed chicken
dinner ready in 20 minutes - ginger glazed chicken is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 23 min
Cost: $4.84 total, $2.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, trimmed)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for a light coating)
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp Honey (prefer raw honey)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (peeled and finely grated)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying)
Instructions
Season Chicken
Pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper, rubbing gently to distribute evenly.
Time: PT2M
Lightly Coat Chicken
Place cornstarch in a shallow dish and toss the seasoned chicken to coat a thin, even layer.
Time: PT1M
Make Ginger Glaze
In a small mixing bowl combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Heat Skillet
Add vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until the oil shimmers.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium-High
Pan‑fry Chicken
Place the coated chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium-High
Set Aside Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and keep warm while you finish the sauce.
Time: PT0.5M
Add Glaze
Reduce heat to medium, pour the prepared ginger glaze into the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30 seconds until slightly thickened.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: Medium
Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat each side with the glaze. Cook an additional 1‑2 minutes per side until the sauce clings and the chicken is cooked through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Serve
Slide the glazed chicken onto a serving plate, drizzle any remaining sauce, and serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb
Allergens: Soy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Cornstarch: All-purpose flour (for thicker coating)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk (optional)
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken with a thin layer of cornstarch.
- Sear chicken without moving for a golden crust.
- Simmer the ginger glaze briefly to thicken.
- Glaze chicken until the sauce clings and the interior reaches 165°F.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated ginger for the brightest flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better crust.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar to the glaze for extra balance if desired.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry.
Do not overcook; sear quickly and finish with the glaze. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer the glaze a little longer or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ginger glaze ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Season and coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ginger glazed chicken in Chinese cuisine?
Ginger glazed chicken reflects the Chinese love for balancing sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors. Ginger and soy sauce have been staples in Chinese cooking for centuries, and combining them with honey creates a modern, quick‑cook version of traditional stir‑fry sauces.
What are the traditional regional variations of ginger glazed chicken in Chinese cooking?
In Cantonese cuisine the dish may include Shaoxing wine and a touch of five‑spice, while Sichuan versions add chili oil for heat. Some northern styles use a thicker cornstarch slurry for a glossy, almost caramelized coating.
What occasions or celebrations is ginger glazed chicken traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, sweet‑savory chicken dishes are popular at family gatherings and Lunar New Year feasts because the honey glaze symbolizes a sweet start to the year.
How does ginger glazed chicken fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?
The dish embodies the Chinese principle of harmony: salty soy sauce, sweet honey, pungent ginger, and aromatic garlic create a balanced profile that pairs well with staple rice, a hallmark of Chinese meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for ginger glazed chicken versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Acceptable substitutes are ground ginger (less bright), tamari for soy sauce (gluten‑free), or maple syrup for honey, though the flavor will shift slightly.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with ginger glazed chicken?
Serve it alongside stir‑fried bok choy, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a complete, balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ginger glazed chicken at home?
Common errors include over‑coating with cornstarch, which can make the crust gummy, and overcooking the chicken, which dries it out. Also, letting the honey‑soy glaze boil too hard can cause bitterness.
Why does this ginger glazed chicken recipe use a thin cornstarch coating instead of flour?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust and allows the glaze to cling better without becoming heavy, which is ideal for a quick 20‑minute dish.
Can I make ginger glazed chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the chicken fully, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water to revive the glaze.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on fast, approachable home‑cooked meals, often highlighting Asian‑inspired flavors and providing clear, step‑by‑step visual guides for busy cooks.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
