Lava Chicken Recipe recipe photo - Lava Chicken Recipe by Jan

Lava Chicken Recipe

Published: March 14, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 25 minutes Total Time: About 45 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Medium Category: Main Course Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper
  2. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat
  3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 8 minutes
  4. Remove chicken and set aside
  5. Add garlic and ginger to the pan, stir-fry for 30 seconds
  6. Return chicken to the pan
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes
  8. Pour sauce over chicken and toss to coat
  9. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens
  10. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
  11. Serve immediately over steamed rice

Special Notes

This lava chicken gets its name from the spicy, lava-like sauce that coats the crispy chicken pieces. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.