DINNER

30-Minute Spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

by basmer

24 de February de 2026

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Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings the perfect balance of spice and flavor to your table. This Quick Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe showcases tender chicken breast stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and the unique zing of Sichuan peppercorns. With just 30 minutes to prepare, this dish is a go-to for busy weeknights when you crave an authentic Szechuan experience without the hassle. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

This dish not only satisfies your cravings for something spicy and savory, but it also delivers numerous benefits:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Features healthy ingredients, ensuring a balanced meal.
Utilizes basic pantry staples, saving you time and money.
Can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
High in protein due to the chicken, making it a great post-workout meal.
Perfect for meal prepping and storing for later use.

This Szechuan chicken recipe is a great way to introduce bold flavors into your diet while being gluten-free, making it accessible to many.

Ingredients for Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

Gather these items:

1 pound chicken breast (skinless and boneless, cut into 1 inch cubes)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon black rice vinegar (or rice vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 small onion (sliced)
1 small red bell pepper (cut in 1 inch cubes)
1 small green bell pepper (cut in 1 inch cubes)
5 dried red chillies (deseeded, cut into 1 inch pieces)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 inch ginger piece (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (roasted and crushed)
Vegetable oil (for frying, approx. 2 inches depth for deep frying plus 1 tablespoon for stir-frying)

How to Make Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients — soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, black rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch — and whisk thoroughly until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Drizzle the ½ cup cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss well to ensure each piece is completely coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping during cooking.
Step 4: Heat a wok with about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 325°F (medium-high heat). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the wok. Fry each batch for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Discard the frying oil from the wok and clean it thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok and heat over high heat. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 1 minute until slightly softened. Then add the diced red and green bell peppers, dried red chilies, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together well and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly. Serve the Szechuan chicken immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the oil is hot enough to fry the chicken properly for a crispy texture.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your Szechuan style chicken stir fry.
Don’t skip the marination step; it enhances the taste significantly.
Feel free to adjust the number of dried red chillies based on your spice tolerance.

Best Ways to Serve Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

This dish can be served in various delicious ways:

Pair it with steamed rice for a filling meal.
Serve it with noodles for a delightful twist.
Add a side of stir-fried greens for a healthy balance.

How to Store and Reheat Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

To store leftovers, place the Szechuan chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry

What’s the secret to perfect Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry?

The secret lies in the marination and the balance of spices. Using high-quality Sichuan peppercorns can also elevate the dish’s authentic flavor.

Can I make Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. Store them separately and stir-fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the oil is hot enough for frying and do not overcrowd the wok, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Variations of Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry You Can Try

Here are some variations you might enjoy:

Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
Add different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.
Experiment with different proteins, such as shrimp or beef, for a unique twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Korean BBQ Meatballs for a different flavor profile. If you’re interested in meal prepping, our Creamy Potato Soup is a great option to consider.

For more information on the health benefits of spices, you can visit Healthline.

30-Minute Spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Quick Szechuan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients — soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, black rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch — and whisk thoroughly until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Drizzle the ½ cup cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss well to ensure each piece is completely coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping during cooking.
Heat a wok with about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 325°F (medium-high heat). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the wok. Fry each batch for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Discard the frying oil from the wok and clean it thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok and heat over high heat. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 1 minute until slightly softened. Then add the diced red and green bell peppers, dried red chilies, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together well and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly. Serve the Szechuan chicken immediately while hot.