Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, herb-infused chicken glazed with a zesty lime and cilantro sauce, kissed by a hint of gin. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, grated ginger, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, and gin. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil, then cook remaining marinade over medium heat for 5 minutes until reduced and fragrant. Pour glaze over chicken and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated ginger from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin-Fried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Glaze?

Korean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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