Szechuan Chicken is a sweet and spicy chicken stir fry dish that can be made in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for serving over rice and noodles for a fast weeknight meal!
Need more 20 minute meals? Try my Chicken Marsala, Pasta Carbonara, or Homemade Alfredo Sauce!
Szechuan Chicken is an easy and flavorful classic Chinese dish. It combines the perfect amount of sweet and spicy. If you’re craving Chinese tonight, make this fast and easy recipe in just 20 minutes!
What is Szechuan Chicken?
Szechuan chicken is a sweet and spicy dish from the Chinese province of Sichuan. It traditionally incorporates the Szechuan peppercorn, however this recipe substitutes cayenne pepper as it is easier to find in most US grocery stores. Szechuan chicken can also contain vegetables and sometimes peanuts.
This recipe is a basic version of what you would find in your local Chinese restaurant. It is mild and not too spicy (so very family-friendly). I’ve included notes below on how to add more spice to the dish.
How to Make Szechuan Chicken at Home
This recipe is super easy, you’ll never go back to take out once you try it!
- Chicken breast cubes are tossed with cornstarch and then browned in a skillet.
- Garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water are added and the chicken is simmered just five minutes to finish cooking through-that’s it!
- Serve over rice or with veggies to complete the meal!
Tips for best results
- Hoisin sauce gives this dish a sweet and tangy flavor. You can find it in the Asian section of your grocery store.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch step, it really makes this dish have its signature texture!
- If you prefer more sauce on the final dish you can easily double or triple the sauce ingredients in the recipe.
FAQs
I have had good results making this dish substituting cubed tempeh for the chicken.
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. This recipe reheats easily in the microwave, making it a great meal prep option!
Yes, this is a great freezer meal. Allow it to cool then store in a freezer-safe container (affiliate link) or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
Variations
- add in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and/or carrots
- add chili peppers to make it spicier
- add peanuts, cashews, or sliced almonds
- substitute steak, shrimp, chicken thighs, or tempeh for the chicken
- serve over noodles, quinoa, or riced cauliflower
Looking for more super fast meals for busy weeknights? Try my Pasta Carbonara, Instant Pot Beef Stew, or Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken recipes as well!
If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
Print
Szechuan Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: main course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Szechuan Chicken is a sweet and spicy chicken stir fry dish that can be made in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for serving over rice and noodles for a fast weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced diagonally
- long grain rice, cooked
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes.
- Place chicken cubes into a plastic bag and add cornstarch. Seal and shake to coat.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Brown the chicken on all sides, stirring often.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds before adding soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water.
- Cover and simmer 4-5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in green onion and cayenne pepper and cook additional 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Keywords: szechuan chicken
Christine says
Tasted great and super fast to make, thanks!
★★★★★
Jen says
My entire family LOVED this!!
★★★★★
Rich says
Great recipe!
★★★★★