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Homemade Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry photo

Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick, spicy Szechuan-style chicken stir-fry with crisp vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek use more or less to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • salt to taste; about 1/4 tsp to season chicken
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion sliced from top to root
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 Tbsp)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced into short strips
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 1/3 cups snow peas diagonally sliced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts chopped
  • sliced green onions for serving
  • sesame seeds for serving
  • prepared rice for serving

Equipment

  • 12-inch nonstick skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth; set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Season the cubed chicken lightly with salt (about 1/4 teaspoon), add to the hot skillet, and cook, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6 minutes; transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion, minced ginger, and minced garlic; sauté about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the yellow and red bell peppers and the snow peas; sauté for about 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  6. Whisk the sauce once more, pour it into the skillet over the vegetables, and cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 2 minutes.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat and warm through; taste and season with additional salt if needed.
  8. Serve the stir-fry over prepared rice and top with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Recipe source: adapted from Cooking Light.
  • Adjust sambal oelek to control spiciness.
  • This dish is suitable for meal prepping.
  • Store rice and stir-fry separately for best texture.