Chicken Ginger Rice

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant ginger and perfectly cooked rice.

Hallie Foster

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-21T06:35:53.477Z

This Chicken Ginger Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. The combination of succulent chicken, zesty ginger, and fluffy rice makes it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic ginger adds a unique twist to classic chicken and rice.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors make this dish a family favorite.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners.

The Magic of Ginger

Ginger is renowned not just for its distinctive flavor, but for its numerous health benefits as well. This root has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a wonderful addition to any dish. In Chicken Ginger Rice, the fresh ginger elevates the flavor profile, infusing the dish with warmth and a hint of spice. Its aromatic qualities complement the tender chicken perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that leaves a lasting impression on your palate.

Incorporating ginger into your cooking can also help with digestion and boost your immune system. By using fresh ginger in this recipe, not only do you enhance the taste, but you also add a nutritious element that contributes to overall well-being. The combination of ginger with garlic further amplifies the health benefits, making this dish a delicious and wholesome choice for any family meal.

A Versatile Meal

Chicken Ginger Rice is not just a meal; it’s a versatile canvas that can be adjusted to suit your family’s tastes. You can easily add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the skillet during the chicken cooking process, turning this dish into a colorful medley of flavors and nutrients. This adaptability makes it perfect for using up leftover vegetables in your fridge.

Additionally, this dish can be served as a main course or a side. Pair it with a simple salad or steamed greens for a complete meal. If you want to spice things up, consider incorporating chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to add a kick to the dish. The possibilities are endless, making Chicken Ginger Rice a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Cooking Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Ginger Rice turns out perfectly every time, start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh ginger will have a more vibrant flavor than dried ginger, while jasmine rice provides a delightful fragrance and texture. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve that ideal fluffy consistency.

Timing is crucial in this recipe. Ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overdone, as this can lead to a dry texture. Similarly, keep an eye on the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy. Following these tips will help you create a dish that not only tastes great but also impresses your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the chicken.

Cook the Rice

In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is ready, fluff the rice with a fork and gently combine it with the chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving Chicken Ginger Rice with a side of pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad. These additions can provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the ginger and the savory chicken, enhancing the overall meal. For a more substantial feast, pair it with a warm miso soup or steamed dumplings.

If you're hosting a gathering, this dish can be served family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves. Presenting it in a large bowl garnished with green onions not only makes it visually appealing but also encourages sharing and conversation around the table.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing Chicken Ginger Rice is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Portion it into individual servings before freezing, making it easy to grab a quick meal later. When reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up on the stove or in the microwave.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, during the cooking process.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Chicken Ginger Rice

A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant ginger and perfectly cooked rice.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Hallie Foster

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken and Rice

  1. 2 cups jasmine rice
  2. 4 cups chicken broth
  3. 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  4. 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  5. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 onion, diced
  7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  8. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  9. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Chopped green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the chicken.

Step 03

In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 04

Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is ready, fluff the rice with a fork and gently combine it with the chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 20g