Spicy Chinese Pepper Chicken Recipe
Overview:
Spicy Chinese Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that balances fiery spices with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a touch of heat in their meals. It’s easy to prepare and can even be prepped ahead of time for maximum flavor infusion!
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 318.3
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
- Dietary Consideration: Low Carb, High Protein
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup condensed chicken broth
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1-3 chopped red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 black peppercorns, crushed
- 3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 6 scallions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, rice vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, and soy sauce until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Stir in minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped chili peppers (adjust amount based on desired spice level), and crushed black peppercorns into the sauce mixture.
-
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- Place the cubed chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and chopped scallions over the chicken.
-
Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
-
Cooking in Crockpot:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-5 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and keep it warm.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the crockpot, stirring well to combine.
-
Finalize the Dish:
- Set the crockpot to high heat and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Spicy Chinese Pepper Chicken hot, accompanied by cooked rice. The rice can absorb the flavorful sauce, enhancing the overall experience.
Tips:
-
Marinating Ahead: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
-
Adjusting Spice Level: Control the heat of the dish by adjusting the amount of chili peppers used. Remove seeds and membranes for a milder taste, or increase the amount for extra heat.
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 318.3
- Total Fat: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Cholesterol: 132.3mg
- Sodium: 1021mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugars: 5.4g
- Protein: 56.1g
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this Spicy Chinese Pepper Chicken alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The vibrant colors and aromatic flavors make it a standout dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!