If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you’ve most definitely heard of Szechuan chicken. This spicy and flavorful dish hails from the Sichuan province of China, renowned for its spicy cuisine. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Szechuan chicken, from its history and unique ingredients to recipes and cooking tips.
What is Szechuan Chicken?
Szechuan chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish made with chunks of chicken that are first marinated, then stir-fried with Szechuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, and other spices and vegetables. The dish is known for its tongue-tingling heat and bold, complex flavors that come from a combination of dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns.
History of Szechuan Cuisine
Szechuan cuisine has a long and rich history, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). The cuisine is said to have originated from the southern part of the Sichuan province and has since spread throughout China and the world.
Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, not just from the use of spicy ingredients but also the use of Szechuan peppercorns. These unique peppercorns have a numbing effect on the tongue, making the spice level more tolerable.
Ingredients in Szechuan Chicken
The unique flavor of Szechuan chicken comes from a combination of spices and ingredients. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make this dish:
- Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs can be used, cut into small pieces.
- Szechuan peppercorns: The signature ingredient in Szechuan cuisine, these peppercorns have a numbing effect on the tongue.
- Dried red chilies: These add heat and flavor to the dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick and a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a savory flavor that complements the heat of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dish.
- Rice wine: Used as a cooking wine, rice wine adds an earthy sweetness to the dish.
- Chilli bean paste: A spicy and flavorful condiment made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, and salt.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and other vegetables can be added for additional flavor and texture.
Szechuan Chicken Recipes
Now that you know the key ingredients in Szechuan chicken, it’s time to learn how to make this delicious dish. Here are some of our favorite Szechuan chicken recipes for you to try at home:
1. Spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 4 dried red chilies
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper together, then add the chicken and toss to coat.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and Szechuan peppercorns to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the bell pepper and onion to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili bean paste.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot over rice.
2. Authentic Szechuan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 6-8 dried red chilies
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Water as needed
Instructions:
- In a dry wok or pan, toast the Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the pan and crush with a mortar and pestle or food processor until finely ground.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, crushed Szechuan peppercorns and red chilies, garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, and rice wine. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and enough water to form a slurry. Set aside.
- Add the sesame oil, green onion, and brown sugar to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and cook for an additional minute until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
3. Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 4 dried red chilies
- 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until the chicken is coated evenly.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Add the garlic, ginger, dried red chilies, and Szechuan peppercorns to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the red bell pepper and broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and honey.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute until the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice.
FAQs about Szechuan Chicken
Yes, Szechuan chicken is a spicy dish that is known for its tongue-tingling heat. It gets its spiciness from the combination of dried red chilies and Szechuan peppercorns, which have a numbing effect on the tongue.
Yes, you can adjust the spice level of Szechuan chicken by using fewer dried red chilies or Szechuan peppercorns. You can also remove the seeds from the dried red chilies to make the dish less spicy.
Yes, there are vegetarian versions of Szechuan chicken that use plant-based protein sources such as tofu or seitan in place of chicken.
Conclusion
Szechuan chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that is loved by many. With its unique combination of spices and bold flavors, it’s no wonder it has become a favorite among Chinese cuisine enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to make an authentic version of the dish or put your own spin on it, we hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to get started!
