Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe: Bold and Flavorful

Szechuan ChickenPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Szechuan Chicken is a popular dish from the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and spicy flavors.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Szechuan Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 8-10 dried red chilies
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Toast the Peppercorns and Chilies: In the same skillet, add the Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies. Toast for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens about 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the chopped green onions. Serve the Szechuan Chicken over cooked white rice.

Conclusion

This homemade Szechuan Chicken is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a great dish to make for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests with your cooking skills. The combination of Szechuan peppercorns and dried chilies gives it an authentic kick that you can adjust to your preference. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a side of steamed rice and perhaps some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Szechuan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this dish less spicy? A: Absolutely! You can reduce the number of dried red chilies or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder dish.

Enjoy your homemade Szechuan Chicken and happy cooking! 🍛

Feel free to ask if you need more recipes or cooking tips!