Szechwan Chicken
Szechwan Chicken offers a bold, spicy flavor with tender chicken cubes coated in a savory soy and vinegar sauce, enhanced by garlic and green onions. Perfect for those who enjoy spicy Asian dishes, it’s quick to prepare and pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Split chicken breasts; skin and debone.
- Cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
- Combine cornstarch and monosodium glutamate; pat chicken pieces in the mixture.
- Heat salad oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and minced garlic; cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add soy sauce, white wine vinegar, sugar, and water to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is done.
- Add green onions and cayenne pepper; cook for an additional minute.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use shrimp for a different protein. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. This recipe is a great base for other Chinese recipes, so feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Szechwan Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. For a family-style dinner, consider serving it alongside Quick And Easy Stir-Fry for a colorful and satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Szechwan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Chicken contains roughly 243 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide a juicier texture. Just ensure they are cut into similar 1 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
What can I serve with Szechwan Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with a side of Asian-style slaw or vegetable spring rolls for a complete meal.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. It offers a nice kick without overwhelming heat.
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).