🌶️ Szechuan Chicken Recipe (Spicy Chinese Stir-Fry)
Make authentic Szechuan Chicken at home — a spicy Chinese stir-fry packed with chili, garlic, and peppercorn flavors! Quick, bold, and perfect with rice or noodles.
Introduction
This Szechuan Chicken Recipe is a fiery and flavorful Chinese stir-fry known for its bold blend of chili, garlic, and peppercorns. Crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a hot, tangy sauce that delivers the perfect balance of spice and savoriness.
Originating from China’s Sichuan province, this dish is loved worldwide for its distinctive mala (numbing and spicy) flavor — a must-try for spice lovers!
📝 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste (like sambal oelek)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to thicken)
For stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3–4 dried red chilies
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 tsp crushed Sichuan peppercorns (optional for authentic flavor)
For garnish:
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
👨🍳 Instructions
-
Marinate the chicken:
Mix chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and oil. Let it rest for 15 minutes. -
Cook the chicken:
Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Stir-fry aromatics:
In the same wok, add dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). -
Add vegetables:
Toss in onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. -
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, chili paste, hoisin sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water. Pour into the wok. -
Thicken and combine:
Add cornstarch slurry, then stir until the sauce thickens. Return chicken to the wok and toss to coat evenly. -
Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
💡 Tips for the Best Szechuan Chicken
- Use Sichuan peppercorns for authentic numb-spicy flavor.
- Adjust chili paste to control heat level.
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
- Add crushed peanuts for a crunchy twist.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What makes Szechuan Chicken spicy?
The heat comes from dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns that give the dish its signature bold flavor.
Q2: Can I use chili oil instead of dried chilies?
Yes! Chili oil adds extra depth and aroma to the dish.
Q3: Is Szechuan Chicken gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin.
Q4: What protein alternatives can I use?
You can substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
🍜 Similar Recipes to Szechuan Chicken :
- Kung Pao Chicken Recipe – Sweet, spicy, and nutty stir-fry with peanuts.
- General Tso’s Chicken Recipe – Crispy chicken in tangy-sweet sauce.
- Mongolian Chicken Recipe – Tender chicken with soy-garlic glaze.
- Orange Chicken Recipe – Zesty, citrusy stir-fried chicken.
- Cashew Chicken Recipe – Crunchy cashews with flavorful sauce.

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