There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Ginger Turmeric Chicken recipe is exactly that — a warm, fragrant dish that’s incredibly simple to make and offers a nourishing boost to your body. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this golden-hued chicken has you covered.
The Power of Ginger and Turmeric
- Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects. It helps with digestion, can alleviate nausea, and has immune-boosting properties. The zesty, slightly spicy flavor adds a bright note to the dish that’s both invigorating and comforting.
- Turmeric, with its earthy, warm flavor, is rich in curcumin, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular consumption of turmeric can contribute to improved heart health, reduce joint pain, and support brain function. The vivid yellow-orange color it imparts to food makes this dish look as good as it tastes.
Further information on the benefits of ginger and turmeric can be found in this article.
Ingredients for Ginger and Turmeric Chicken
- chicken thighs, or chicken breasts, or a collection of chicken pieces
- garlic and onions
- fresh ginger and fresh turmeric (or their ground/powder version)
- salt and ground black pepper
Serving Suggestions
This Ginger Turmeric Chicken pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice or a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the fragrant juices. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or a simple cucumber-yogurt dip to balance the spices.
If you’re looking to keep the meal low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potatoes instead. The chicken’s vibrant, zesty flavor makes it versatile enough to complement many sides.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully! Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as the chicken sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it may dry out the chicken.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
So the next time you’re craving something wholesome and easy, give this Ginger Turmeric Chicken a try—it might just become your new go-to recipe!
Cooking Tips:
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and turmeric deliver the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh turmeric, ground turmeric will work, but fresh turmeric adds a beautiful texture and even more health benefits.
- Broth Boost: If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream along with the broth. This gives the dish a more indulgent, silky finish.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Replace lemon juice with lime juice.
- If you prefer the ginger turmeric taste in the chicken, you can prepare a simple marinade of one tablespoon each of the earthy turmeric and ginger powders and rub them onto the chicken pieces. Let the spiced chicken rest for at least an hour before cooking. Overnight is best.
- Onion powder does not replace fresh onions in this recipe.
- Add chicken stock or bullion, if you wish, but adjust the amount of salt.
Recipe for Ginger Turmeric Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
Description
Ginger Turmeric Chicken is a quick and healthy recipe rich in anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts (I used whole chicken cut into 10 pieces in this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 3 teaspoons ginger powder)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh turmeric (or 3 teaspoons ground turmeric)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 lemon or 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: vegetables for blanching (e.g., broccoli, carrots, green beans)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Sautee garlic and onions. Heat a large skillet or a pan over medium-high heat, and sautee garlic and onions until brown and limp. Add ginger and turmeric, and stir for half a minute.
- Add the Chicken. Add the chicken parts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side on medium heat, until the juices come out and the meat is lightly golden.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Then add the broth. Lower the heat, and cover. Let the chicken pieces simmer for about 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked and tender. Add lemon slices for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Blanch the Vegetables (optional). While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch your choice of vegetables for 1-2 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Serve and Enjoy. Plate the chicken, add some of the flavorful sauce over it, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Serve alongside the blanched vegetables for a complete meal.
