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Chengtu Chicken – Szechuan

Chengtu Chicken - Szechuan recipe image
Chengtu Chicken is a beloved Szechuan classic that balances savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors with the distinctive tingling sensation of Szechuan peppercorns. This dish features tender chicken breast cubes velvety-coated in egg white and cornstarch, stir-fried to perfection. The chicken is tossed in a rich sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of vinegar, then served atop a bed of fresh, wilted spinach. The addition of ginger, garlic, and hot bean sauce adds depth and aroma, while a final drizzle of sesame oil brings everything together. It&# 226;€™s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or when you crave authentic Asian flavors without the fuss.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 124.8
Description
Chengtu Chicken is a beloved Szechuan classic that balances savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors with the distinctive tingling sensation of Szechuan peppercorns. This dish features tender chicken breast cubes velvety-coated in egg white and cornstarch, stir-fried to perfection. The chicken is tossed in a rich sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of vinegar, then served atop a bed of fresh, wilted spinach. The addition of ginger, garlic, and hot bean sauce adds depth and aroma, while a final drizzle of sesame oil brings everything together. It&# 226;€™s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or when you crave authentic Asian flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
  • 2/3 pound Chicken breasts; skinned --
Directions
  1. 1
    Prepare the Peppersalt by mixing 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns with 2 tablespoons salt; set aside.
  2. 2
    Cut the skinned chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
  3. 3
    In a medium bowl, mix the marinade ingredients: 1 teaspoon dry sherry, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 egg white.
  4. 4
    Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, mixing well to coat evenly, and let stand for 20 minutes.
  5. 5
    In a small cup, mix the Seasoning Sauce ingredients: 1 teaspoon dry sherry, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoons chicken stock, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water. Set aside.
  6. 6
    Heat 1 cup of peanut oil in a wok over medium heat for about 1 minute.
  7. 7
    Stir-fry the marinated chicken cubes until very lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  8. 8
    Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon, draining well over the wok, and set aside.
  9. 9
    Remove all oil from the wok except for 2 tablespoons.
  10. 10
    Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for 30 seconds.
  11. 11
    Add 2/3 pound of fresh spinach and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the wok.
  12. 12
    Stir-fry until the spinach is tender, about 1 minute.
  13. 13
    Remove the spinach with a slotted spoon, draining well over the wok, and arrange it around the outside of a warm platter.
  14. 14
    Add 3 tablespoons of peanut oil to the wok and heat over medium heat for 1 minute.
  15. 15
    Add 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, and 1 tablespoon hot bean sauce.
  16. 16
    Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  17. 17
    Return the chicken cubes to the wok and pour in the prepared Seasoning Sauce.
  18. 18
    Stir-fry until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  19. 19
    Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the wok and stir to mix.
  20. 20
    Place the chicken mixture in the middle of the platter with the spinach and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 124.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.7g5%
Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
Cholesterol 64.3mg22%
Sodium 56.0mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 23.5g47%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: szechuan, chicken, stir fry, chinese, spicy, spinach, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, wok, asian, dinner, quick meal, peppercorns, velveting, hot bean sauce
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/chengtu-chicken-szechuan/