Serving Details
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Description
Szechuan Chicken is a bold and spicy Chinese dish with a deep, tangy sauce that delivers a powerful kick. It is loaded with flavors from dried red chilies, garlic, and the signature Szechuan peppercorns. This dish is perfect for spice lovers and pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4-5 dried red chilies
- 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan sauce or chili paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine Szechuan sauce or chili paste, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the dried red chilies, Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until they are tender-crisp (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and pour the prepared sauce over. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables in the sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu, depending on your preference.
How spicy is Szechuan Chicken?
Szechuan Chicken has a spicy kick due to the dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns. You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount of chili paste and dried chilies.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, stir-fry and serve.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the number of dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns, or use a mild chili paste.
