Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Taste Journey

Experience the bold and aromatic flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this delightful chicken stir fry, featuring the unique numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2025-12-16T23:36:18.140Z

Discover the vibrant and spicy world of Sichuan cuisine with this quick and easy chicken stir fry. The star ingredient, Sichuan peppercorns, adds a distinct flavor profile that will elevate your weeknight dinners.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bold and spicy flavors that awaken your taste buds
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A delightful combination of textures and colors

      

The Magic of Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, particularly the use of Sichuan peppercorns. These tiny, reddish-brown seeds deliver a distinctive numbing sensation paired with a fragrant, citrusy taste. This dish captures the essence of Sichuan cooking, combining spicy and savory elements that tantalize the palate. Not only does the peppercorn add depth to the flavor profile, but it also elevates the overall experience of the meal, making it memorable and exciting.

Incorporating Sichuan peppercorns into your cooking brings a new dimension to familiar dishes. Their unique heat is different from chili peppers; it provides a tingling sensation that complements the other ingredients beautifully. When paired with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in this stir fry, the result is a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that truly embodies the spirit of Sichuan cuisine.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can be a challenge. This Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir Fry is designed with busy weeknights in mind. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 15 minutes, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delightful meal with your family.

The versatility of stir fry recipes means you can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand or add extra protein such as shrimp or tofu. This adaptability makes it a go-to option for those looking to maximize their grocery list while keeping meals exciting and varied.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

500g chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting the stir fry for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Marinate the sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar for about 10 minutes.

Toast the Peppercorns

In a hot pan, toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.

Stir Fry the Chicken

In the same pan, heat vegetable oil and add the marinated chicken. Stir fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan.

Add Vegetables

Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan, add the toasted Sichuan peppercorns, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and serve hot.

Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry

To achieve the best results in stir frying, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir frying is a quick process, and having everything on hand will help maintain the freshness and texture of the vegetables and protein. Additionally, using high heat and a well-seasoned wok or non-stick pan can prevent sticking and ensure that the ingredients cook evenly.

When stir frying, it's important to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches if necessary allows for better heat distribution and ensures that the chicken and vegetables achieve a nice sear rather than steaming. This technique brings out the best flavors and textures in your dish.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir Fry is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce.

While the stir fry can be enjoyed as is, consider transforming your leftovers into a new dish. Toss the chicken and vegetables with some cooked noodles or use them as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of Sichuan cuisine in various forms throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pepper instead of Sichuan peppercorns?

While Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with black pepper, but the taste will be different.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.