Introduction
This delicious chicken dish combines the rich flavors of soy sauce and Szechuan sauce with fresh vegetables and a hint of spice from Thai red chilies. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1½ pounds chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– ½ onion, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 10-15 dried Thai red chilies (or 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ⅓ cup peanuts
– 1 batch of homemade Szechuan sauce
– Chopped green onion for garnish
Prep Time
20-30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This recipe promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any meal. Enjoy the savory taste of Szechuan-inspired chicken paired with crisp vegetables and crunchy peanuts, all served over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying experience.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, mirin, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Ensure all vegetables are dry before adding them to the skillet to avoid steaming. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and dried Thai red chilies. Cook for a few minutes until browned and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Peanuts
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the peanuts. Toss everything together with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add Szechuan Sauce
Pour in the homemade Szechuan sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onion and serve with rice.
Notes
Marinade Timing
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes for better flavor absorption.
Vegetable Preparation
Ensure all vegetables are sliced uniformly for even cooking.
Heat Control
Maintain medium-high heat throughout the cooking process for optimal browning.
Customization Options
Adjust the amount of Thai red chilies or chili garlic sauce based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, mirin, and sesame oil helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Allowing the chicken to marinate for 20-30 minutes enhances the taste and texture.
Searing
Searing the marinated chicken in hot vegetable oil creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. This technique is essential for achieving a well-cooked, flavorful protein.
Stir-frying
Stir-frying the vegetables over medium-high heat allows them to cook quickly while retaining their color and crunch. This method ensures that the vegetables are browned and flavorful without becoming soggy.
Deglazing
After cooking the chicken and vegetables, returning the chicken to the skillet and adding the Szechuan sauce allows for deglazing the pan. This pulls up all the browned bits from the bottom, adding extra flavor to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile while keeping the cooking techniques the same.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
You can control the spice level by decreasing the amount of Thai red chilies or chili garlic sauce used, or by omitting them entirely for a milder version.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, which help to soak up the sauce and complement the flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the Szechuan sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Conclusion
This dish combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a flavorful Szechuan sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s both spicy and savory. The addition of peanuts adds a delightful crunch, making it a perfect dish to serve over rice. Enjoy the balance of flavors that this recipe offers.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use a variety of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots for a vegetarian option that is just as delicious.
Spicy Szechuan Shrimp
Replace the chicken with shrimp, keeping the same marinade and veggies. The shrimp will cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Asian Noodle Bowl
Combine the cooked chicken and vegetables with cooked noodles and a drizzle of sesame oil for a hearty noodle dish.
Peanut Sauce Chicken Wraps
Use the filling from this recipe to wrap in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fun, hand-held meal.
Fried Rice
Incorporate the marinated chicken and vegetables into fried rice, adding soy sauce and green onions for extra flavor.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the chicken and vegetable mixture to stuff halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
