This Sichuan Pepper Chicken recipe features a delightful combination of spicy and numbing flavors, typical of authentic Sichuan cuisine. Made with crispy chicken and fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
The recipe is straightforward and allows you to create a hot and numbing chicken stir fry at home. It’s an easy mala chicken recipe that captures the essence of Chongqing chicken, making it a fantastic choice for a spicy Chinese chicken with peppercorn dish.
Vibrant Flavors of Sichuan Pepper Chicken
The Sichuan Pepper Chicken recipe is a celebration of bold and vibrant flavors that define authentic Sichuan cuisine. This dish features crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a spicy red chili and Sichuan peppercorn sauce, offering a delightful experience for those who appreciate spicy Chinese chicken with peppercorn.
What sets this dish apart is its unique combination of hot and numbing sensations, characteristic of a classic mala chicken recipe. The crispy chicken with Sichuan pepper is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to explore the rich culinary traditions of Sichuan. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this easy mala chicken at home is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
To create this authentic Sichuan chicken dish, the ingredients play a pivotal role. The star of the show is the boneless chicken thighs, which are marinated to perfection. The addition of Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies brings the heat and aromatic depth that is essential for a true Sichuan experience.
Other key ingredients include garlic and ginger, which enhance the overall flavor profile, while the soy sauce and rice wine contribute to the dish’s umami richness. Topped with fresh green onions, this dish is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.
Preparation Steps for Success
Preparing Sichuan style spicy chicken involves a few straightforward steps that yield delicious results. The process begins with marinating the chicken, allowing it to soak up the flavors of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This step is crucial for achieving tender and flavorful chicken pieces.
Next, the Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies are toasted to release their aromatic oils, creating a fragrant spice mix that will elevate the dish. Stir-frying the chicken until golden brown ensures a crispy texture, while the final combination of all ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for an Authentic Experience
To truly enjoy this Chinese dry-fried chicken, serving it with a bowl of steamed rice is highly recommended. The rice acts as a perfect accompaniment, balancing the spiciness of the Sichuan Pepper Chicken. Garnishing with chopped green onions adds a fresh touch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
For those who love to entertain, this dish can be a centerpiece at any gathering, showcasing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas that characterize Sichuan cuisine. Pair it with other traditional dishes for a complete dining experience that transports you to the heart of China.
Why Sichuan Pepper Chicken Stands Out
This Sichuan Pepper Chicken recipe is not just another chicken dish; it embodies the essence of Chongqing chicken recipes, known for their bold flavors and unique spice combinations. The crispy chicken pieces coated in a spicy sauce create a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and memorable.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this hot and numbing chicken stir fry is accessible and rewarding. It invites you to experiment with flavors and techniques that are central to Sichuan cooking, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, Sichuan Pepper Chicken is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its vibrant presentation and explosive flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, while the straightforward preparation allows anyone to recreate this dish with ease.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This Sichuan style spicy chicken will surely become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and excitement to your dining table.
Easy Mala Chicken at Home
This Sichuan Pepper Chicken is a dry-fried chicken dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a spicy and aromatic blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chilies. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 4-5 dried red chilies, adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine: Return the fried chicken to the pan, add the toasted Sichuan peppercorns and chilies, and stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
