If you’re craving something packed with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and a spicy kick, this Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and crunchy peanuts, all coated in a mouthwatering homemade Szechuan sauce that perfectly balances heat and savory depth. It’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare yet feels special enough to impress family or friends any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the silky soy sauce marinade to the vibrant bell peppers and fiery chilies, every component plays an essential role in making the dish unforgettable.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami backbone to the marinade and sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the chicken and create a glossy sauce finish.
- Mirin: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the spice.
- Sesame oil: Offers aromatic richness and a nutty hint.
- Chicken breast: The lean protein shines when sliced into bite-sized pieces to soak up flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking to get a nice sear on chicken and veggies.
- Onion, green and red bell peppers: These give the dish vibrant color and a pleasant crunch.
- Dried Thai red chilis: Bring the signature spicy heat that makes Szechuan cuisine so exciting.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic punch and flavor depth.
- Peanuts: Provide delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making every bite more interesting.
- Homemade Szechuan sauce: The heart of this dish, delivering bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Chopped green onion: Sprinkled on top for freshness and a pop of green color.
How to Make Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, cornstarch, mirin, and sesame oil in a bowl. This simple yet flavorful marinade tenderizes the chicken while giving it a beautiful sheen in the final dish. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and let them soak up the marinade for 20 to 30 minutes—this step infuses each piece with umami goodness and ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Give them about 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked through and deliciously golden brown. Cooking the chicken separately lets it get that satisfying sear before combining it with the vegetables.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Chilies
Before you toss the vegetables in, make sure they are dry—this prevents steaming and ensures a good stir-fry. Add sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, and dried Thai red chilis to the skillet, cooking until the veggies soften and develop a slight char. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook just long enough to release its fragrance without letting it burn.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Peanuts with Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the peanuts, giving everything a good toss. The peanuts bring a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and crisp veggies, making every mouthful exciting.
Step 5: Add the Homemade Szechuan Sauce
Pour in your homemade Szechuan sauce and stir everything together in the pan. Let it cook for one to two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to every piece. This final step is where all those spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors marry perfectly, turning the dish magical.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness and a touch of sharpness that cuts through the richness. Serve this vibrant stir-fry over hot, fluffy rice to soak up the gorgeous sauce, making it a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add vibrancy and a fresh bite that contrasts the spicy sauce perfectly. For an extra layer of texture, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and aromatic freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe with steaming jasmine rice or even fragrant brown rice for a wholesome meal. Steamed or stir-fried Asian greens like bok choy or broccoli make wonderful complements, giving you an extra dose of greens without competing with the dish’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish in a large, colorful bowl garnished with fresh herbs invites sharing and makes the meal feel festive. Alternatively, try wrapping the chicken and vegetables in fresh lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld twist that adds crunch and freshness. Another creative idea is to serve the chicken on noodle nests to switch up the texture and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
To enjoy this dish at a later time, you can freeze cooked leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of the bell peppers may soften upon thawing, but the flavors will remain vibrant and satisfying.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce during reheating can help restore some moisture and maintain the saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat with a bit more juiciness. Just slice them into similar bite-sized pieces and marinate as directed for best results.
What can I substitute for dried Thai red chilis?
If you can’t find dried Thai red chilis, using 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce is a tasty substitute that keeps the dish spicy and flavorful.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish definitely packs a punch but is easily adjustable. Remove some or all of the dried chilies or reduce the chili garlic sauce to lower the heat without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the Szechuan sauce in advance?
Yes! Making your homemade Szechuan sauce ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy days. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, and simply add it during the cooking process when ready.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, and verify that your chili garlic sauce and mirin are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts and Vegetables Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a homemade celebration on your plate. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or when friends come over. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you’ll fall in love with the perfect harmony of spice, crunch, and savory goodness.
