Better Than Takeout Szechuan Chicken (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 1 pound chicken breast, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
04 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 - ½ cup cornstarch

→ Sauce

06 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
07 - 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon black rice vinegar or rice vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
12 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch

→ Stir-Fry

13 - 1 small onion, sliced
14 - 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
15 - 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
16 - 5 dried red chilies, deseeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
17 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
18 - 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
19 - 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, roasted and crushed
20 - Vegetable oil for frying

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk well. Set aside.
02 - Combine all the chicken and marinade ingredients, excluding cornstarch, in a bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
03 - Drizzle cornstarch over the chicken and toss until fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
04 - Heat a wok with about 2 inches of vegetable oil over high heat. Once the oil reaches 325°F, fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
05 - Discard used oil from the wok and clean. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add onion and cook for 1 minute. Add bell peppers, dried chilies, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes.
06 - Return the chicken to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over it. Toss well and stir fry for 1 more minute. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Toasting Sichuan peppercorns enhances their citrus aroma and signature numbing effect.
02 - For a milder version, use fewer chilies or deseed them.
03 - Chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative to chicken breast.
04 - Pair with jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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