Delicious Chicken Ginger Rice for a Comforting Main Dish

There’s a special sort of comfort that comes from making a meal like Chicken Ginger Rice. The first time I made this dish, I was chasing a sanity-saving comfort food after a hectic day juggling school pickups and meal prep. I’d heard whispers from other moms about a ginger chicken rice recipe that was simple yet satisfying, so I gave it a try. Watching the aroma fill the kitchen, my kids surprised me – plates cleared with smiles and requests for seconds! That moment showed me how this one pot chicken ginger rice is more than just food; it’s family comfort wrapped in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Top down raw ingredients for chicken ginger rice on marble kitchen counter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil you have)
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated (this is the star for that ginger flavored chicken and rice)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cups jasmine rice (rinse for fluffier rice)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (use low sodium for family-friendly flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a lovely nutty touch)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies (for a little green comfort)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

No worries if you don’t have jasmine rice; long grain works well too. This chicken ginger rice recipe is super forgiving, especially with pantry basics. I keep fresh ginger frozen in small cubes for when I’m rushing around — such a comfort hack! If broth runs low, water with a good bouillon cube works just fine and keeps the budget happy. You’ll find all these ingredients at your regular grocery store, so no special trips needed.

My family finds extra comfort when I sneak in a little extra garlic and serve this with a drizzle of soy sauce on the side. If you want to save time, grab pre-minced garlic and ginger – I do it when days feel like a tornado. With simple swaps and shortcuts, this chicken ginger rice keeps dinner calm and cozy without missing out on flavor.

Let’s Make it Happen!

  1. Heat your oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic. It’ll smell amazing fast as those flavors wake up the kitchen. Stir for about 2 minutes until everything is fragrant and soft.
  2. Toss in the chicken pieces. Brown them lightly on all sides, stirring to coat with the ginger garlic mix. This step builds the aromatics that make this chicken ginger rice so tasty. Don’t worry if your chicken isn’t fully cooked here — it’ll finish in the pot.
  3. Add the rinsed rice and stir to combine. The rice will soak up all those wonderful flavors from the chicken and ginger. Trust me, this step is where this one pot chicken ginger rice gets its comforting soul.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
  5. Let it cook, covered, for about 18 minutes. This is perfect time to check tomorrow’s school lunch plans or sip some much-needed tea. Peek in only if you must — lifting the lid lets steam escape and slows down cooking.
  6. After 18 minutes, add the frozen peas or veggies on top (no stirring needed yet). Cover and let cook for 5 more minutes so the veggies steam right in that ginger flavored chicken and rice.
  7. Once it’s done, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your chicken ginger rice should have that warm, homey aroma now, inviting everyone to the table.

I used to overcook the rice or under-season this dish, but after some trial and error, this timing and layering made all the difference. It’s my secret to delivering this easy ginger chicken rice bowl with minimal stress. Perfect if you’re in the thick of after-school madness and need a reliable dinner.

During those last few minutes, setting the table or prepping simple sides makes the kitchen race feel less chaotic. And if you want to see a brief visual on how a pros do it, Eleanor Wilkinson’s one pot chicken ginger rice video is a great inspiration!

How We Love to Eat This!

Close up of a finished delicious chicken ginger rice dish with fresh vibrant colors

Our crew enjoys this chicken ginger rice as a main event on busy weeknights when everyone wants comfort with no fuss. The kids especially love it served alongside steamed broccoli and crunchy cucumber slices – simple, colorful, and kid-approved! Sometimes I boost texture by adding a fried egg on top for extra protein and fun. For side ideas, easy steamed veggies or an Asian-style slaw bring brightness to the plate without extra work.

This aromatic chicken rice with ginger really shines during chilly evenings when the whole family craves something warm and hearty. I recall serving it at a casual dinner party once — guests kept asking for seconds, amazed at how simple the ginger flavored chicken and rice was to put together. Presentation wise, sprinkling green onions or toasted sesame seeds gives a little “wow” while keeping it homey.

Leftovers? Oh, we always have them. Perfect for lunches or reheated dinners when time is tight. I like tossing last night’s chicken ginger rice with a bit of soy sauce and a quick scramble of eggs for a speedy fried rice fix.

If you want more sizzling comfort meals, my honey sriracha chicken rice bowls are another go-to — you can check them out for inspiration here. These recipes are all about keeping your family fed with love, even when life feels crowded.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Chicken Ginger Rice filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The tender chicken with hearty rice and veggies packs a satisfying meal. My two growing boys find it comfortingly filling, and I usually add an egg on top for even more staying power.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Chicken Ginger Rice?

Try pureeing or finely chopping the ginger and garlic so the flavors are gentle. Also, serve it with familiar sides your little ones love. My pickiest started asking for more when I paired it with their favorite steamed carrots.

Can I meal prep this Chicken Ginger Rice for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend dividing into portion containers and reheating with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Great for lunches or quick dinners.

Is the chicken thigh necessary or can I use breast instead?

Chicken thighs give moisture and tenderness, but chicken breasts work too if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time so your chicken doesn’t dry out.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. This way, it stays safe and full of flavor for everyone.

What can I add to make it even more aromatic?

A little star anise or cinnamon stick simmered with the broth gives a cozy twist. Some of my friends swear by this variation!

Where can I find more easy chicken and rice recipes like this?

You’ll enjoy the Hainanese chicken rice recipe with chili and ginger dips or the comforting Easy One Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice I’ve leaned on when needing inspiration.

If you feel adventurous, I also recommend the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup for a warm twist on familiar flavors. These dishes keep mealtime feeling fresh while sticking to what this family loves — simple comfort food.

Final Thoughts:

This chicken ginger rice supports my family’s comfort food goals by delivering warmth, flavor, and ease in one pot. My Chicken Ginger Rice Comfort Hacks are: using frozen ginger cubes for quick prep, layering frozen veggies at the end for freshness, and adding a splash of sesame oil to brighten flavors. These small touches save time and bring the cozy taste my family asks for again and again.

We’ve tried family-tested chicken ginger rice variations like adding coconut milk for creaminess, stirring in chopped peanuts for crunch, and swapping chicken thighs for turkey in leaner versions. My husband loves them classic, the kids prefer the egg-topped version, and I’m happy they all come together around the table.

I hope you give this chicken ginger rice a try and make it your own way. It’s a simple solution that keeps the dinner chaos at bay while filling bellies and hearts alike. Here’s to many comforting, stress-free meals ahead! For more cozy dinners, don’t miss my spicy Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl and the honey sriracha chicken rice bowls.

Remember, friend, you’ve got this — one pot, one bowl, tons of cozy comfort. Chicken Ginger Rice is waiting to be your next favorite family meal!

Print

Chicken Ginger Rice

Home Cook, taken with iPhone 15 Pro. Close-up slight angle of comforting Chicken Ginger Rice on white plate. Warm appetizing --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 245

Chicken Ginger Rice is a fragrant and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken with aromatic ginger and fluffy rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear; drain and set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, then stir in the rinsed rice.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Turn off the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil before serving or top with a fried egg for a heartier meal.

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