Szechwan Chicken With Spicy Peanut Sauce
Spicy Szechwan chicken topped with flavorful peanut sauce and served on crisp shredded lettuce, offering bold, savory, and spicy flavors perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken in a 2-quart pan with green onion, crushed ginger, dry sherry, salt, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover.
- Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce and place shredded lettuce on individual plates.
- When Peanut Sauce is ready, place cooked chicken on the lettuce and drizzle with Peanut Sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the dry sherry and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have dry sherry, use chicken broth or white wine as a substitute. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper can enhance the heat in the Spicy Peanut Sauce, which pairs beautifully with Citrus Shrimp or other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Szechwan Chicken over a bed of shredded lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Pair with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with other Chinese recipes, such as Chow Mein(Chicken Or Turkey), to create a diverse family-style dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Chicken With Spicy Peanut Sauce contains roughly 87 calories, with 6g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 928mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu will require less time to cook. If using pork, ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
Can I make the Spicy Peanut Sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate when chilled.
What can I serve alongside Szechwan Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or a simple vegetable stir-fry. You might also consider serving it with spring rolls or a light Asian salad to complement the bold flavors of the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).