Gingered Chicken(Microwave Needed)
Gingered chicken drumsticks and thighs are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for quick microwave cooking and full of bold flavors suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken pieces, skin side up, with the thickest parts to the outside edge of a 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Mix honey, chili sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper, then pour over chicken.
- Cover with waxed paper and microwave on High (100%) for 10 minutes.
- Remove from microwave, spoon sauce over chicken, rotate dish 1/2 turn, cover again, and microwave until thickest parts of chicken are done, 7 to 10 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have chili sauce, a mix of ketchup and hot sauce can work as a substitute. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since they cook faster. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gingered chicken with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad pairs nicely as well. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Southern Skillet Chicken Creole or Heshwi, which complements the spiciness perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gingered chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. This helps retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingered Chicken(Microwave Needed) contains roughly 104 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (275% of the Daily Value), potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it's fully thawed before starting the recipe. This helps prevent uneven cooking and ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce properly.
What if I don’t have a microwave-safe dish?
If you lack a microwave-safe dish, try using a glass or ceramic baking dish, but ensure it’s labeled for microwave use. Alternatively, you can adapt this recipe for the oven by baking at 375°F for about 45 minutes, basting occasionally.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Simply place them around the chicken in the baking dish, and they will cook alongside the chicken, absorbing the delicious sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).