Spicy Chinese Chicken

Spicy Chinese Chicken with Chili Peppers and Sichuan Peppercorn

Discover a delicious and flavorful recipe from Chinese cuisine that will bring a touch of warmth and color to your plate. This spicy chicken recipe is perfect for thrill-seekers and is ideal for a family meal or a dinner with friends. With a blend of aromas, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns, this dish will delight your senses and transform your evening into a true culinary experience.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 2 chicken drumsticks
- 2 whole chicken wings
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 14 dried chili peppers (adjust quantity to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 20 raw peanuts
- 150 ml palm oil (or vegetable oil)

Ingredient Preparation

To achieve an exceptional spicy chicken, seasoning is key. Start by cutting the chicken wings, slicing both the upper and lower parts. Then, wash them well under cold running water and dry them with absorbent towels. This step is important to remove excess water that could affect the texture of the dish.

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, add salt and soy sauce, mixing well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (I recommend leaving them overnight for an even more intense flavor).

Cooking Technique

1. Heating the Wok
In a wok, add the palm oil and let it heat up well. It is essential for the oil to be hot to achieve an even and crispy fry.

2. Adding Aromas
Once the oil is hot, add the Sichuan peppercorns and whole chili peppers. Be careful - the smell will be intense and aromatic! Stir gently, and within a few seconds, the peppers will turn brown. Remove them from the wok and place them on a plate.

3. Frying the Chicken
Now, add the chicken pieces to the wok and fry them for about 15 minutes, turning them on all sides. You want each piece to be well browned and cooked evenly.

4. Finishing the Dish
When the chicken is almost done, reintroduce the chili peppers into the wok, adding the raw peanuts as well. Fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the dish onto absorbent towels to eliminate excess oil.

Serving

Serve the spicy chicken with steamed rice, ideal for balancing the intense flavor of the dish. You can garnish the plate with finely chopped green onions, adding a fresh and colorful note. Even if you used a considerable amount of chili peppers, you will be surprised at how tasty and only slightly spicy this dish is!

Practical Tips

- Adjusting Spiciness: For those who prefer a less spicy taste, reduce the number of chili peppers or opt for milder chili varieties.
- Peanuts: If you don't have raw peanuts on hand, you can use roasted peanuts or almonds, but the taste will be different.
- Vegetarian Option: You can adapt this recipe using tofu or vegetables like broccoli and carrots for a delicious vegetarian version.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken, and Sichuan pepper is known for its antioxidant properties. Peanuts add a healthy source of fats and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or beef, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I make the recipe without palm oil?
Sure! You can use sunflower oil or olive oil.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The spicy chicken keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Delicious Pairings

This recipe pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a cold green tea, which will beautifully contrast with the spicy flavors. Additionally, a cucumber salad with soy sauce and rice is an excellent choice to complement the meal.

Enjoy this spicy chicken dish, which will not only delight your taste buds but will also make you feel like you are in the heart of a vibrant market in a gastronomic metropolis. Bon appétit!