Szechuan Chicken

4 servings

40 minutes

Sichuan chicken is a true embodiment of culinary art in Chinese cuisine. This aromatic and spicy recipe comes from Sichuan province, known for its love of heat. Chicken marinated in a mixture of cane sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, and sake acquires a deep sweet-salty flavor. Fried in hot oil, it becomes tender inside and golden outside. The addition of ginger, garlic, and famous Sichuan pepper gives the dish exquisite spiciness and a slight tingling sensation. The combination of carrots, bok choy cabbage, and leeks complements the rich flavor spectrum. Sichuan chicken is not just a dish but a true journey into the world of Eastern gastronomy.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 770.4
• Proteins: 70.5g
• Fats: 28.7g
• Carbohydrates: 55.2g

Ingredients

• Cane sugar: 2 tbsp
• Chicken breast: 4 pc
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Ginger: 1 pc
• Sunflower oil: 4 tbsp
• Carrot: 1 pc
• Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
• Chinese cabbage: 2 pc
• Leek: 5 pc
• Sichuan pepper: 1 tsp
• Sea salt: to taste
• Coriander: to taste
• Soy sauce: 100 ml
• Sweet rice wine: 100 ml
• Sake: 4 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Mix all marinade ingredients (brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, and sake) in a bowl, add chicken pieces. Ensure the marinade coats all pieces. Cover and let sit for half an hour. If possible, refrigerate for a longer time (but not more than 24 hours).

   Required ingredients:

   • Cane sugar: 2 tablespoons
   • Soy sauce: 100 ml
   • Sweet rice wine: 100 ml
   • Sake: 4 tablespoons
   • Chicken breast: 4 pieces

2. Take the chicken, place it in a colander, and let the marinade drain back into the bowl. Add ginger and garlic to the chicken. Place a wok or large deep pan on high heat. When it heats up, pour in the oil and let it heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ginger: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Sunflower oil: 4 tablespoons

3. Drop the chicken into the oil, do not touch for 2 minutes until it starts to change color, then shake the pan and flip the chicken pieces. Do not touch the chicken for another 2 minutes until it starts to change color on the other side. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken breast: 4 pieces

4. Add the chopped carrots to the pan, then pour in sesame oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Stir for a minute, then add chicken pieces, bok choy, leeks, and crushed peppercorns. Then splash in some marinade and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Before serving, taste and add salt, soy sauce, or cilantro as needed.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 1 piece
   • Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
   • Sea salt:  to taste
   • Chicken breast: 4 pieces
   • Chinese cabbage: 2 pieces
   • Leek: 5 piece
   • Sichuan pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Soy sauce: 100 ml
   • Sea salt:  to taste
   • Soy sauce: 100 ml
   • Coriander:  to taste