Delicious plate of Szechuan Chicken with vibrant vegetables and spices.

Szechuan Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Szechuan Chicken is a delicious dish full of bold flavors and vibrant colors. It combines crispy chicken with a spicy sauce that is balanced by sweet and savory notes. This recipe is popular for its easy preparation and quick cooking time, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it can be customized to your taste with different spice levels.

How to Make Szechuan Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
  • 15 dried Szechuan red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp chopped scallions
  • ½ cup cashews

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and salt until coated evenly.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Set the cooked chicken aside.
  3. Stir-fry Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the Szechuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, bell peppers, and onion for around 2 minutes, until fragrant and the peppers start to soften.
  4. Make the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  5. Combine & Serve: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. Add cashews and chopped scallions. Stir well to combine.
  6. Serve: Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How to Serve Szechuan Chicken

Szechuan Chicken tastes best when served hot. You can serve it over steamed rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Pair it with a side of vegetables for a balanced meal. Some people enjoy it with pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors.

How to Store Szechuan Chicken

To store Szechuan Chicken, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for a quick meal.

Tips to Make Szechuan Chicken

  • Adjust the number of dried chili peppers based on your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
  • For extra crunch, you can use roasted cashews instead of raw.
  • Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to ensure it becomes crispy.
  • Serve with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for added flavor and decoration.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Follow the same cooking steps to achieve a tasty dish.

FAQs

1. Is Szechuan Chicken very spicy?

  • It can be spicy because of the Szechuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers. You can adjust the amount of peppers used to fit your spice tolerance.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

  • Yes, chicken thighs will also work well in this recipe. They can add more flavor and tenderness.

3. What if I don’t have Szechuan peppercorns?

  • If you don’t have Szechuan peppercorns, you can use regular black pepper. However, the flavor will be different, as Szechuan peppercorns have a unique numbing spiciness.