This Szechuan Chicken is a bold stir-fry packed with crispy chicken, spicy Szechuan peppercorns, and a tangy, sweet sauce. Combined with crunchy bell peppers and cashews, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for spicing up any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Chicken – Coated and fried to golden perfection.
Adjustable Spice – Customize the heat by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
Quick & Flavorful – Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect homemade alternative to takeout.
Crunchy & Satisfying – Bell peppers and cashews add texture and depth.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
3 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp salt
¼ cup oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil)
1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
15 dried Szechuan red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp chopped scallions
½ cup cashews

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch and salt.
Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet. Cook chicken in batches until crispy. Set aside.
Stir-fry Veggies: Sauté Szechuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, bell peppers, and onion for 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and ginger. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Combine & Serve: Return chicken to the skillet and toss with sauce. Add cashews and scallions, mix well.
Serve: Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicier: Add more chili peppers or Szechuan peppercorns.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or another protein.
More Veggies: Add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then stir-fry when ready.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili peppers or omit the Szechuan peppercorns.

Conclusion

Szechuan Chicken is an easy, bold dish that brings the heat and flavor of authentic Szechuan cuisine to your kitchen. With crispy chicken, spicy peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite!