Szechuan Chicken
This fiery stir-fry features tender, velvety chicken tossed in a savory, spicy sauce with the signature numbing tingle of Szechuan peppercorns. A classic Chinese American takeout dish you can easily make at home in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Velvet the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and the white pepper. Mix thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, Chinkiang vinegar, sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and the chicken broth. Set aside.
- 3
Toast the Aromatics: Place a wok or large skillet over medium heat
- a.Add the Szechuan peppercorns and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from the wok, let cool slightly, and coarsely grind using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in the wok over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Carefully add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables and Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add the dried red chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until they darken slightly and become fragrant. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the scallions, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 6
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the wok
- a.Add the ground Szechuan peppercorns. Give the sauce a quick stir to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it over everything. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens to coat the chicken and vegetables. Turn off the heat.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Garnish and Serve: Stir in the toasted sesame oil, the green parts of the scallions, and the roasted peanuts. Serve immediately with hot steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not skip toasting and grinding the Szechuan peppercorns. This step unlocks their unique aroma and numbing quality.
- 2The technique of marinating chicken in cornstarch is called 'velveting'. It creates a protective layer that keeps the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.
- 3Stir-frying is a very fast cooking process. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and organized (mise en place) before you turn on the heat.
- 4Control the heat by adjusting the number of dried red chilies. For a milder dish, use half the amount or slice them open and remove the seeds before stir-frying.
- 5Ensure your wok is very hot before adding ingredients. A high temperature is crucial for achieving the characteristic 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) flavor and preventing ingredients from steaming.
- 6If you don't have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Just make sure not to overcrowd it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), shrimp, or thinly sliced beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, celery, or water chestnuts. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
For a nut-free option, simply omit the roasted peanuts as a garnish. The dish will still be delicious.
Gluten Free AdaptationGluten-Free Adaptation
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and substitute dry sherry for the Shaoxing wine to make the dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Immunity-Boosting Properties
The inclusion of garlic and ginger provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, such as allicin and gingerol, which can help support a robust immune system.
Source of Essential Vitamins
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for skin health and immune function, as well as Vitamin A, which supports vision and cell growth.
Frequently asked questions
Szechuan Chicken can be a moderately healthy dish. It's high in lean protein from the chicken and contains vitamins from the vegetables. However, it can be high in sodium from soy sauce and fat from cooking oil. Making it at home allows you to control these ingredients for a healthier version.