Warm Ginger Braised Chicken Recipe - Comfort Food for Rainy Days

There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a perfectly braised chicken on a chilly evening. This Ginger Braised Chicken recipe delivers on that promise and more, offering a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender, succulent chicken infused with the fragrant spice of ginger, a hint of sweetness, and a rich, savory sauce – it's a dish that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding. The aroma alone will have you dreaming of cozy nights in, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on letting fresh, high-quality ingredients shine. The balance of sweet and savory, spicy and comforting, makes this Ginger Braised Chicken a versatile dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

• Pot
• Pan
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• Chicken: 25kg (approx. 22kg after processing)
• Lemongrass: 1 stalk (minced), 5 stalks (for marinade)
• Garlic or Shallots: 2 cloves/2 shallots (minced)
• Ginger: 100g
• Chili: a little
• Spices
• Dill
• Sugar
• Salt
• Fish sauce
• Banana vinegar: 300ml (or 100ml industrial vinegar + water)
• Seasoning powder: 2-3 tbsp (15g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

• Clean and chop the chicken. If the chicken smells fishy, soak it in a mixture of salt and vinegar (300ml vinegar or 100ml industrial vinegar diluted with water, 2-3 tbsp salt) for a while, then rinse thoroughly (5-6 times) with cold water.
• Mince lemongrass and garlic/shallots. Cut ginger into strips.

Step 2. Marinate and Braise the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix seasoning powder (15g), sugar (10g), salt (5g), minced lemongrass, and optional chili. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Heat a pan, add 4 tbsp (20g) sugar and cook until golden brown. Remove from heat.
• Add minced shallots/garlic to the caramel and stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add 4 tbsp (30g) fish sauce and 1 liter of water (or coconut water) to the pan. Bring to a boil.

• Add lemongrass and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the chicken is firm. Add chili pepper for extra fragrance. Braise over medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 3. Make the Ginger Caramel Sauce

• Heat a pan, add 4 tbsp (20g) sugar and cook until golden brown. Remove from heat.
• Add minced shallots/garlic to the caramel and stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add 4 tbsp (30g) fish sauce and 1 liter of water (or coconut water) to the pan. Bring to a boil.
• Add lemongrass and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 4. Serve and Store

• Enjoy the ginger braised chicken. Store leftovers in the freezer for later.

Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

• Using coconut water instead of filtered water will give a more delicious flavor and beautiful color.
• If the chicken is old, braise it for a longer time (45 minutes - 1 hour); if it's fresh, braise it for about half an hour.
• Adding chili pepper enhances the fragrance.

Nutrition

• N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?

Both work great! Bone-in thighs will add more flavor to the braising liquid, but boneless are quicker to cook.

2. What can I serve with this Ginger Braised Chicken?

It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots are also a delicious side.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The braised chicken tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This Warm Ginger Braised Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chasing away those rainy day blues. The simple yet flavorful dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table. Enjoy the cozy, satisfying experience of this culinary hug!