Savory Sha Cha Chicken Ready in Just 23 Minutes

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s nothing quite like the sight and smell of chicken sizzling in a hot skillet, especially when it s infused with the complex, savory warmth of Sha Cha sauce. I discovered this gem of a recipe during a casual dinner with friends; the moment the first bite melted in my mouth, I knew I had stumbled upon a winner. Picture this: tender chicken drums braised to perfection, mingling with fragrant ginger and garlic, all while perfuming your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

For anyone tired of the same old takeout or fast food routine, this Sha Cha Chicken recipe is a game-changer. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that feels special yet requires minimal ingredients. It s this versatility that makes it perfect for any occasion whether you re looking to impress on a weeknight or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home. Trust me, one taste, and you ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Let s dive into this easy recipe that promises flavor and satisfaction with every bite.

Why Is Sha Cha Chicken So Special?

Quick, this dish comes together in just 23 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Bold flavors of Sha Cha sauce elevate ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that your family will love. Fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic add a fragrant touch, making the cooking process a delight. Versatile by nature, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making meal planning a breeze. Plus, it s a crowd-pleaser that s sure to impress friends at any gathering. Want a flavor-packed chicken dish? Give this Sha Cha Chicken a try!

Sha Cha Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken drums or thighs Choose thighs for extra tenderness, but drums work just as well!
• 2 tablespoon Sha Cha sauce This savory sauce is the star of the dish, infusing your chicken with rich flavors.
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce Adds a hint of saltiness and enhances the umami profile of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps create a delicious, silky coating on the chicken as it cooks.
• ½ teaspoon sugar Balances the savory notes, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt A touch of salt enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

For the Cooking

• 2 ½ tablespoon neutral cooking oil, divided Use this oil for frying to achieve a perfect golden color on your chicken.
• 6 slices ginger Adds a fragrant warmth to the dish, elevating its overall taste.
• 8 cloves garlic, halved Infuses the chicken with an irresistible aroma as it cooks.
• 2 stalks scallions, cut into sections Adds freshness and a vibrant pop of color at the end of cooking.

With these simple ingredients for Sha Cha Chicken, you re just a few steps away from a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Make Sha Cha Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken drums or thighs into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, combine the chicken with Sha Cha sauce, light soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and sugar. Mix well, then add ½ tablespoon of oil and stir to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Heat the Oil: In a skillet or frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, ginger slices, and halved garlic cloves without overlapping. Fry until the chicken turns golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip to brown the other side evenly.

3. Braise the Chicken: Add about ½ cup of water to the skillet, then cover with a lid. Allow it to braise over high heat for about 4 minutes. Remove the lid, stir in the scallions, and cook further until the liquid is reduced to a minimum. Dish out and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Optional: Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Sha Cha Chicken?

Elevate your dining experience with delicious sides that perfectly complement the rich flavors of this savory chicken dish.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, jasmine rice absorbs the delicious Sha Cha sauce, making every bite a delight.

• Garlic Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli tossed with garlic adds a refreshing crunch and a splash of vibrant color, balancing the meal beautifully.

• Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Their sweet flavor and snap provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken; plus, they add a bright, fresh element to your plate.

• Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad refreshes the palate between bites, highlighting the savory notes of the chicken.

• Sesame Noodles: These nutty, flavorful noodles are an enticing alternative to rice, delivering a satisfying twist that will keep dinner exciting.

• Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine pairs wonderfully, enhancing the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.

• Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, treat yourself to mango sticky rice; its creamy sweetness makes for a perfect contrast to the savory chicken.

With these complementary sides, your meal will be a true celebration of flavors and textures, inviting everyone to linger a little longer at the table.

Expert Tips for Sha Cha Chicken

• Marination Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes but up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion. Don t skip this step!
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken pieces in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning, affecting the dish s texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it s too cold, the chicken will not brown properly and may become soggy.
• Watch Liquid Levels: When braising, keep an eye on the liquid. If it evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning the chicken.
• Final Touch: Stir in scallions at the end to retain their vibrant flavor and crunch. This simple addition elevates your Sha Cha Chicken even further.

How to Store and Freeze Sha Cha Chicken

Fridge: Keep your Sha Cha Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot.

Freezer: If you want to freeze it, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To maintain the chicken s texture, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm over freshly steamed rice or noodles to enjoy the flavors at their best on leftovers!

Sha Cha Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Sha Cha Chicken to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste during cooking to spice things up. The heat balances beautifully with the savory sauce.

• Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro at the end for a burst of freshness that elevates the dish to a new level.

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking them the same way for a delightful plant-based alternative.

• Nutty Flavor: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil either in the marinade or during cooking for a delicious nutty undertone that deepens the dish s complexity.

• Crispy Texture: For extra crunch, toss in some thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They add not only texture but also vibrant color!

• Coconut Cream: For a creamy twist, drizzle a little coconut cream in at the end for a mild sweetness that marries well with the spices.

• Fruit Fusion: Stir in chunks of pineapple or mango during cooking for a sweet and savory combination that ll transport your taste buds!

With these delightful variations, you can adapt your Sha Cha Chicken to endless possibilities and keep your meals exciting!

Make Ahead Options

Getting your Sha Cha Chicken ready in advance is a fantastic way to free up time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken chunks in the Sha Cha sauce mixture up to 2 hours ahead of time, or for even more flavor, prepare it 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. For the best quality, store the marinated chicken in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can chop the ginger, garlic, and scallions up to 3 days ahead; just store them in separate containers in the refrigerator to keep them vibrant. When you re ready to cook, simply heat the oil, fry the chicken until golden, and braise it as instructed for a meal that s just as delicious as if you made it fresh!

Sha Cha Chicken Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use for Sha Cha Chicken?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness, but boneless, skinless chicken drums also work beautifully! The choice depends on your preference for texture.

How should I store leftover Sha Cha Chicken?
To store your leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

Can I freeze Sha Cha Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, let your Sha Cha Chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What if my chicken isn t browning properly?
If the chicken isn t browning as you d like, it might be due to overcrowding the pan. Make sure you fry the chicken pieces in a single layer, giving them enough space to achieve a lovely golden color. Also, check that your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent sogginess.

Is Sha Cha Chicken suitable for anyone with soy allergies?
Great question! Since this recipe contains light soy sauce, it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies. Consider substituting with a gluten-free tamari sauce or exploring alternative marinades that suit your dietary needs.

How long can I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, but you can go up to 2 hours! Marinating for longer allows the Sha Cha sauce and seasonings to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Enjoy the process!