Schezuan Chicken Recipe
Overview:
This Schezuan Chicken recipe has been a treasured favorite for over twenty years, originally discovered in a newspaper clipping. It’s a dish that brings back memories of simpler times, enjoyed especially by the user and their partner. Although it’s loved by adults, it’s not frequently served now due to its spicy nature, which the kids aren’t as keen on. With the right balance of spices, however, it transforms into a delightful culinary experience.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Schezuan Chicken
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Chinese, Asian, Spicy, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Stir Fry
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 225
- Total Fat: 13.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 30.9mg
- Sodium: 731.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.6g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 12.6g
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dry sherry
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Gather all the ingredients listed above. Prepare the garlic by mincing it finely. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
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Heat Oil:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until it shimmers.
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Saute Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and saute for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Cook Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir-fry until they turn white and are cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
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Prepare Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dry sherry, sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and Tabasco sauce. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
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Add Sauce and Vegetables:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Add the sliced carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the carrots to cook slightly.
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Add Snow Peas:
- Finally, add the snow peas to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes. The snow peas should remain crisp and bright green.
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Serve:
- Once the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly, remove from heat.
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Serve Hot:
- Serve the Schezuan Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your spice preference. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.
- You can substitute dry sherry with rice wine or cooking wine if needed.
- For a complete meal, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli florets.
Final Thoughts:
This Schezuan Chicken recipe not only brings back nostalgic memories but also offers a flavorful adventure with its spicy-sweet sauce and tender chicken. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dinner, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the journey of flavors and share this dish with loved ones who appreciate a good, spicy kick in their meals!
