Name: Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup corn starch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil; 1 large bell pepper chopped; 2 serrano peppers chopped (optional for extra spicy); 10 dried chile de arbol peppers (optional for extra spicy); 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns; 1/4 cup peanuts chopped (plus more for garnish); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon ground ginger or fresh minced ginger; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns lightly toasted and ground; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice; 1/2 cup chicken stock (optional); 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional); Cooked white rice or noodles; Spicy chili flakes for garnish

If you’re craving a bold and fiery dinner that packs a punch, this Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe is an absolute go-to. It’s packed with the signature numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns and the perfect spicy kick that’ll have you coming back for more.

The image shows a stir-fry dish in a dark pan with a honeycomb pattern. The dish has several layers: at the bottom are small browned pieces of meat with a crispy texture, mixed with bright orange and green bell pepper chunks that appear tender but firm. Scattered across the top are long dried red chili peppers giving a rich red color and some chopped green onions adding fresh green highlights. Crushed peanuts sprinkled throughout add a small cream-colored crunch. The whole mix is glazed with a shiny, dark brown sauce that coats the ingredients evenly. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this dish on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something quick but flavorful. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and that unique Szechuan spice had me hooked immediately — and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much!

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Authentic Flavors: The homemade Szechuan sauce brings the real deal right to your kitchen.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level with serrano and dried chile peppers to suit your taste.
Delicious Texture: Crispy chicken pieces combined with crunchy peanuts and sautéed peppers make every bite exciting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering ingredients is half the fun with this dish! Look for fresh, high-quality chicken breast and vibrant peppers for the best flavor and texture. Don’t skip the Szechuan peppercorns—they’re the secret to that unforgettable tingling sensation.

Flat lay of fresh bite-sized raw chicken breast pieces, a large vibrant red bell pepper chopped, two fresh green serrano peppers sliced, a small heap of dried deep red chile de arbol peppers, a small pile of whole Szechuan peppercorns, a quarter cup of roughly chopped raw peanuts, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with golden sesame oil, a small white bowl with light amber honey, a small white bowl with pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl with bright red chili garlic sauce, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl with light yellow cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with freshly minced pale yellow ginger, a small white bowl with minced fresh white garlic, a small white bowl with reddish sriracha sauce, a small white bowl with clear chicken stock, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breast: Tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking and absorbing the spicy sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to both the chicken and sauce.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Corn starch: Essential for coating the chicken to give it a satisfying, crispy exterior.
Sesame oil or olive oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma and helps with stir-frying.
Bell pepper: Provides sweetness and crunch to balance the heat.
Serrano peppers: Optional but great for turning up the spice intensity.
Dried chile de arbol peppers: Offers smoky heat and complexity. Adjust to your preferred heat level.
Szechuan peppercorns: The star ingredient that gives that signature numbing kick.
Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor. Great as garnish too!
Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances the richness of the sauce.
Ground ginger or fresh minced ginger: Brings warmth and a zingy depth.
Honey: Rounds out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Chili garlic sauce: Infuses bold chili flavor and a slight garlicky punch.
Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic: Builds savory aroma and sharpness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds extra heat and color to the sauce.
Chinese 5 spice: Adds complexity with hints of star anise, cinnamon, and clove.
Chicken stock (optional): Lightens the sauce if you want a thinner consistency.
Sriracha (optional): For those who love an extra spicy kick.
Cooked white rice or noodles: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Spicy chili flakes for garnish: Adds a final pop of heat and color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The fun thing about this Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your taste buds or pantry staples. Feel free to get creative and make it your own – that’s half the joy of cooking!

Variation: Swap out chicken breast for thighs if you prefer juicier, more tender bites. I often use thighs when I want that rich, succulent texture without extra fuss.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing it first. The Szechuan sauce pairs beautifully with these plant-based proteins and still packs a punch.
Heat Level: You can dial up or down the spice by adjusting the serrano peppers and dried chile de arbol. I love the authentic numbing heat from the Szechuan peppercorns, so I usually keep those as is!
Nut Options: If peanuts aren’t your thing, cashews make an excellent substitute for that crunchy, buttery finish.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate with a ridged edge, placed on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth in the background. On the plate, there is a portion of white rice on the left side, with a thick, textured stir-fry piled on the right. The stir-fry has several layers: pieces of dark brown, fried chicken coated in a shiny sauce; bright red dried chilies scattered on top; large chunks of green bell pepper with a slightly glossy look; and pieces of orange carrot adding color contrast. The sauce is rich and glossy, coating all ingredients, and there are visible bits of crushed red pepper flakes adding texture. A metal spoon is partially buried in the stir-fry on the right side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in soy sauce, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This quick 10-minute marinade infuses the chicken with savory depth before cooking, making every bite flavorful. While the chicken soaks up all that goodness, you can move on to preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Homemade Szechuan Sauce

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, honey, chili garlic sauce, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Szechuan peppercorns, Chinese five spice, chicken stock (if using), and sriracha (if you want extra heat) in a small pot. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld into an aromatic, spicy sauce that’s the heart of this recipe.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce for That Perfect Coating

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth, then stir this slurry into your simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens beautifully. Want it thicker? Use 2 tablespoons cornstarch and skip the chicken stock altogether. Take the sauce off the heat and set it aside while you cook the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken—Golden and Tender

Heat your sesame or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss the marinated chicken with ½ cup cornstarch until fully coated—this creates a crispy exterior once cooked. Sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through and a lovely golden color. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Step 5: Sauté the Peppers and Peanuts for Texture and Brightness

Crank the heat to medium-high and add your chopped bell pepper along with the serrano peppers if using. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still vibrant. Next, toss in the dried chile de arbol peppers, toasted Szechuan peppercorns, and chopped peanuts, stirring for another 2 minutes. The combination adds crunch, heat, and those signature numbing sensations.

Step 6: Bring It All Together and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, pour in your luscious Szechuan sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes. This step lets the sauce thicken a bit more and soak into the chicken and veggies, making each bite bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Serve It Up with Your Favorite Side

Serve this spicy delight hot over cooked white rice or noodles—whatever you have on hand. Garnish generously with extra chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of spicy chili flakes for an added crunch and heat boost. Prepare for compliments at the dinner table!

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe is all about layering flavors and balancing heat with the unique numbing spice of Szechuan peppercorns. Here are some helpful tips to make your cooking experience smooth and delicious!

Marinate with Patience: Letting the chicken rest in soy sauce, salt, and pepper for the full 10 minutes really allows the flavors to soak in, giving you juicy, well-seasoned bites.
Control Your Heat: >I learned that adjusting the quantity of serrano and chile de arbol peppers is key. Start small if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more next time once you know your preferred kick.
Szechuan Peppercorns Magic: To really awaken their signature tingling effect, lightly toast and grind the peppercorns fresh before adding them to the sauce. It makes a big difference in aroma and flavor!
Cornstarch Coating Trick: Make sure to toss the chicken evenly with cornstarch before pan-frying. It creates a lovely crisp texture that holds up perfectly after simmering in the sauce.

How to Serve Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe

The image shows two round metal pans side by side on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains small, golden-brown pieces of cooked meat scattered in the middle, with a slightly shiny texture. The right pan has chopped bell peppers in bright green, orange, and red colors layered evenly in the center, showing a fresh and glossy look. Both pans have a hexagonal pattern inside and a long handle with a shiny silver finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with extra chopped peanuts or try cashews for a different crunch and flavor twist. Sprinkle spicy chili flakes on top for an extra punch of heat and a splash of vibrant color.

Side Dishes

Spicy Szechuan Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or your favorite noodles to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Steamed bok choy, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad can add refreshing balance to the spicy main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Szechuan Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful without losing its texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and will make the dish a bit juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content.

How spicy is this Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable. You can include or omit the serrano and dried chile de arbol peppers based on your taste. The Szechuan peppercorns add a unique numbing sensation rather than just heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

What can I serve with Spicy Szechuan Chicken?

Serve it with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add stir-fried vegetables or fresh salads to balance the spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe always feels like a mini culinary adventure. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet bold and satisfying enough to impress at any dinner table. The interplay of spice, numbing peppercorns, and the crunchy peanuts makes every bite exciting. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do – it’s truly a flavorful journey to your kitchen!