Szechuan Chicken, also known as Schezwan Chicken, is a classic from China's Sichuan province. Made with boneless chicken, a blend of seasonings, and distinct Sichuan Peppers, this spicy dish is perfect with fried rice, noodles, or as a standalone starter.
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.
Notes
Enhance your Szechuan Chicken with these practical tips and creative variations:Cooking 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.
Variations:
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.