Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipe with Spicy Sauce

Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipe with Spicy Sauce

Craving bold flavors and a little bit of heat? This Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipe with Spicy Sauce is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Szechuan chicken (also spelled Sichuan chicken) is famous for its fiery kick, tender chicken, and addictive sauce that dances between spicy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your home-cooking journey, this recipe is simple, quick, and healthier than takeout — plus, it’s packed with authentic taste.

Why Szechuan Chicken?

Originating from China’s Sichuan (Szechuan) province, this dish is celebrated for its use of Sichuan peppercorns — iconic for their unique numbing heat. Classic Szechuan chicken has roots far back in history, first gaining global fame through Chinese immigrants and beloved Asian restaurants around the world.

In this recipe, we keep things easy and approachable, using familiar ingredients you can find in most supermarkets. It delivers on all the vibrant flavors you’d expect, but with a lighter touch, so you can enjoy it as part of a balanced, healthy diet.

Is Szechuan Chicken Healthy?

Homemade Szechuan chicken beats takeout every time for nutrition and freshness. Made with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a bright, homemade spicy sauce (with much less oil than typical restaurants), this meal offers protein, fiber, and the metabolism-boosting benefits of spicy foods. You control the salt and the spice levels, making it perfect for low sodium or gluten-free diets. Serve it with steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice to fit your lifestyle.

Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipe with Spicy Sauce

Ready for a flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes? Let’s jump in!

Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner, Main Dish
Diet: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Lower Carb

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (can substitute thigh meat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (use potato starch or arrowroot for gluten-free)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns (crushed, or 1 teaspoon black pepper plus ½ teaspoon chili flakes if unavailable)
• 3 dried red chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

For the Spicy Szechuan Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water

Ingredient Swap Table

Original Ingredient	Possible Swap	Dietary Suitability
Chicken breast	Chicken thigh, tofu, shrimp	Low carb, vegetarian (tofu)
Soy sauce	Tamari, coconut aminos	Gluten-free, soy-free
Cornstarch	Arrowroot, potato starch	Gluten-free
Honey	Maple syrup, agave	Vegan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve a crisp exterior when seared.

2. Mix the Szechuan Sauce:
In another small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes, turning to cook evenly until lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

4. Sauté Aromatics and Peppers:
Add remaining tablespoon oil to the same skillet. Toss in the Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, garlic, ginger, onion, and both bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are just becoming tender and fragrant.

5. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the spicy Szechuan sauce and toss to coat everything well. Stir continuously for 2–3 more minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through (no pink in the center).

6. Serve:
Serve your Szechuan chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
320	18g	12g	31g	15 min	15 min	30 min	4

Tips for the Best Easy Szechuan Chicken

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Crush Szechuan peppercorns for full flavor. If you can’t find them, a combo of black pepper and extra chili gives good heat.
• Adjust chili garlic sauce to your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — this keeps chicken crispy instead of soggy.
• Add more veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra fiber.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

Do’s & Don’ts

• Do prep all your ingredients before you start cooking – Szechuan recipes move quickly.
• Don’t skip the step of thickening the sauce with cornstarch – it’s what gives that iconic glossy finish.
• Do taste and adjust the sauce according to your liking. Add more honey for sweet, vinegar for tangy, or chili for heat.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should stay crisp and colorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Szechuan chicken less spicy?
Absolutely! Start with only 1 dried chili and half the chili garlic sauce, then add more as you go. You can also toss in a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of extra honey to mellow the heat.

What if I can’t find Szechuan peppercorns?
No problem — substitute with freshly cracked black pepper and a touch more dried chili. The sensation will be a little different, but you’ll still get that wonderful, tongue-tingling effect.

Can I make Szechuan chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Szechuan chicken reheats well. Simply cool, store in the fridge, and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. It’s great for meal prep and next-day lunches.

Final Thoughts: Why This Easy Szechuan Chicken Belongs on Your Table

If you love Asian-inspired meals that burst with flavor, this easy Szechuan chicken recipe is a must-try. It’s less greasy and lower in sodium than takeout, making it perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends at your next dinner party.

Ready in just 30 minutes and totally customizable, you’ll keep coming back to this spicy, satisfying classic. Pin it, share it, and most of all — savor every bite!

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