Looking for a light, healthy lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavour? Poached Chicken with Spicy Green Onion and Ginger Sauce is your answer. This simple Chinese-inspired recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken paired with a bold, aromatic sauce that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
At first glance, poached chicken might sound plain but when done right, it’s anything but. Gently simmering the chicken keeps it incredibly moist, while allowing the natural flavour of the meat to shine. The real magic, however, lies in the sauce. Made with a punchy blend of finely chopped green onions, grated ginger, garlic, and a splash of hot oil, soy sauce, and vinegar, it’s spicy, savoury, and addictively aromatic.
This dish is perfect when you want something quick, clean, and nourishing. Serve it over steamed rice or with a side of crisp cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. It’s great warm, at room temperature, or even cold—making it a versatile meal-prep option, too.
You can use boneless chicken breasts for ease, but bone-in thighs or drumsticks offer deeper flavour if you have more time. Either way, the star remains that mouth-tingling sauce. It’s one of those condiments you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Easy to make, packed with bold flavour, and incredibly satisfying, this dish proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring. It’s minimal effort with maximum impact, just the kind of recipe we all need in our back pocket.
Poach chicken
Ingredients
Poach chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3-4 slices fresh ginger, or tsp of minced ginger
- 2 stalks spring onion, cut into 2-inch pieces, whites only
- 1/2 tsp salt
- water, enough to submerge the chicken
The sauce
- 1 tbsp chilli garlic sauce, siracha is you don't have this
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- coriander, chopped
- green onions, chopped
- garlic, grated
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
Instructions
- Add ginger, spring onion, salt and chicken breasts into a pot. Submerge the chicken with water and bring to a boil. Once boiled, lid on and heat off, set to the side for 10-12 minutes while you make your sauce. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
- In a heatproof bowl, add minced garlic, green onion and coriander. Heat the oil until hot (but not smoking), then pour it over the mixture – Mix well. Add the remaining sauce ingredient and stir well.
- Pair with rice and green vegetables of choice.
