Szechuan Chicken, a celebrated spicy dish from Chinese Szechuan cuisine, offers a rich mix of flavors. This dish, perfect for lunch or dinner, features marinated, boneless chicken seasoned with unique Sichuan peppers, garlic, ginger, and sometimes soy or hoisin sauce. The marination enhances the chicken's flavor and tenderness, and stir-frying lends it a desirable crisp-yet-juicy texture.
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The dish often includes colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots, adding crunch and nutrition. It pairs wonderfully with various rice types, including white, basmati, and jasmine, and also goes well with fried rice reminiscent of classic Chinese take-out.
Originating from China's Szechuan Province, Szechuan Chicken is renowned for its vibrant spiciness and the distinctive, citrusy, slightly numbing flavor of Sichuan Peppers. While my recipe stays true to its traditional, fiery spirit, note that restaurant versions might vary in spice levels to suit local palates, ranging from mildly tangy to intensely hot.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To whip up this delicious Szechuan Chicken, start by assembling these key ingredients, readily found at your local Asian grocery stores or online. Each one plays a vital role in bringing the authentic taste of Szechuan cuisine to your table.
Marinating Ingredients:
- Chicken: Choose either boneless thighs for tenderness or breasts for a leaner option.
- Soy Sauce: Use dark soy sauce for a richer color and flavor or light soy sauce for a milder taste.
- Pepper and Garlic Powder: These add warmth and aroma to the chicken.
- Sugar: Use brown sugar as a substitute for traditional palm sugar.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: A blend that brings authentic Chinese flavors.
- Baking Soda: Helps to keep the chicken tender.
- Corn Starch: Coats the chicken for a crispy finish after frying.
Stir-Fry Ingredients:
- Sesame Oil: Adds an earthy aroma to the dish.
- Ginger and Garlic: Choose either freshly chopped or ginger-garlic paste.
- Dry Red Chili: Soak, chop, and add to the stir-fry for a balanced heat.
- Spring Onions: Add color and a mild crunch to the dish.
- Sichuan Peppers: The key ingredient for a unique citrus-like flavor.
Shopping Tip: Sichuan Peppers are essential for the dish’s authentic flavor. They might take a bit of searching, so try Asian grocery stores or online shops.
How to Make Szechuan Chicken?
Follow along with our step-by-step guide to master this Szechuan Chicken recipe. From marinating the chicken to the final stir-fry, each phase is detailed with accompanying photos and video to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.
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Szechuan Chicken (Schezwan Chicken)
Ingredients
For Marination
- 1¼ lb Chicken, boneless
- 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1½ tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger, sliced
- 12 Dry Red Chili, soaked in hot water
- 3 tbsp Green Onions
- 1 tsp Sichuan Pepper, crushed, start with ½ tsp if new to this flavor
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- Combine boneless, bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with dark soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, Chinese five-spice powder, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, baking soda, and cornstarch.
- Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
To Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and set aside for later use.
Making Szechuan Chicken
- In a pan over medium heat, add sesame oil along with chopped garlic, ginger, spring onions, and dry red chili. Stir-fry the mix for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed Sichuan pepper for that authentic Szechuan flavor.
- Combine the stir-fry with the previously fried chicken, ensuring everything is well-mixed. Your Szechuan Chicken is now ready to be savored.
Serving
- Serve the hot and spicy Szechuan Chicken as an appetizing starter or as a complement to rice, fried rice or noodles.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Authentic Flavor: Sichuan Peppers provide the authentic flavor of Szechuan Chicken, but if unavailable, pepper powder can suffice. Look for Sichuan Peppers at Asian markets or online for the true taste.
- Frying Options: Deep-frying is common, but pan-frying is a great alternative for using less oil.
- Stir-Frying: Cooking the chicken and seasonings on high-medium heat replicates that restaurant-style Schezwan Chicken taste.
- Salt Caution: Soy sauce is already salty, so be careful with additional salt to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Vegetable Options: Beyond chicken, adding bell pepper, mushroom, broccoli, and carrots can bring a fresh veggie boost.
- Protein Varieties: Shrimp or firm tofu can be excellent alternatives to chicken.
- Nuts for Crunch: Though not used in this recipe, cashew nuts or peanuts can add crunch and a unique flavor.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Immerse yourself in the diverse world of Chinese cooking with our selection of chicken dishes, where traditional flavors blend seamlessly with contemporary culinary techniques. From zesty stir-fries to comforting curries, our assortment caters to a wide range of palates. Experience the authentic essence of Asian cuisine with each unique recipe.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Best Served Hot: Szechuan Chicken is most enjoyable when served fresh and hot. This helps maintain its crispy texture and rich flavors.
- Storage Advice: If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the chicken may lose some of its crispiness, it will still be tasty when reheated. For best results, consume within 1-2 days.
- Reheating Tip: To revive some of the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat rather than using a microwave.
- Versatile Pairing: This dish is a delight on its own as a starter. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of rice dishes like white rice, basmati, brown rice, and fried rice, making it a versatile choice for different meal settings.
Enjoy your delectable Szechuan Chicken at its best with these serving and storage tips, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first. Whether savored fresh and hot or enjoyed as a tasty leftover, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
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