Schezwan Chicken

Welcome to a delicious recipe for Schezwan Chicken! This popular Chinese dish is packed with flavor and is a perfect blend of spicy and savory. With the combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a mouthwatering sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let's dive into the steps to create this flavorful Schezwan Chicken dish that is perfect to enjoy with some fried rice or noodles.

Schezwan Chicken is a spicy and scrumptious Indo-Chinese Sauce based recipe. Usually, it is a fried chicken recipe. But here, we have made sure that all of you health-conscious readers will love this dish by turning it into a stir fry! The soft and tender boneless chicken combo-ed with the Spicy Schezwan Sauce will sure make everyone’s mouth water at the dinning table. This can be served either as an appetizer or as the main course with fried rice or noodles, depending on what you prefer!

What Is Schezwan Chicken?

• Schezwan chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines succulent boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces with a flavorful blend of Indian spices and unique seasoning.
• The dish is marinated in a mixture of light soy sauce, black pepper powder, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and cornflour, before being stir-fried with a delicious schezwan sauce, soy sauce, white pepper, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. The result is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the heat of the schezwan sauce with the tender texture of the chicken, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
• The combination of bold flavors and tender meat makes schezwan chicken a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of Indo-Chinese cuisine.

Why You'll Love Schezwan Chicken?

• Irresistible Texture: Schezwan chicken is known for its tender, juicy chicken pieces and the crunchy texture of the bell peppers and baby corns. The combination of stir-frying and coating the chicken in the schezwan sauce gives it a perfect texture that you'll love.
• Spicy and Flavorful: The schezwan sauce used in this recipe adds a spicy kick to the chicken, making it a flavorful and adventurous dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.
• Health Benefits: This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and essential nutrients from the vegetables, making it a wholesome and nutritious option for your meal. Plus, the ingredients used are known for their various health benefits, including boosting immunity and promoting digestion.
• Low in Calories: With minimal use of oil and the option to customize the spice level, schezwan chicken can be a low-calorie and diet-friendly dish for those looking to watch their calorie intake.
• Versatile Serving Options: This dish can be served with fried rice, noodles, or even as a standalone appetizer, giving you the flexibility to enjoy it in various ways.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With the simple marination process and quick stir-frying, schezwan chicken is a convenient dish for those busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Schezwan Chicken

• Boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces: The main protein in this dish, chicken breast pieces are marinated and stir-fried to perfection, providing a juicy and tender texture to the dish.
• Light or dark soy sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the marinade and the sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Black pepper powder: Provides a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the chicken, adding depth to the dish.
• Chinese five spice powder: Infuses a warm and aromatic flavor to the marinade, giving the dish a unique and distinctive taste.
• Corn flour: Used in the marinade to coat the chicken, it helps to tenderize the meat and create a crispy texture when stir-fried.
• Schezwan sauce: The star ingredient of this dish, it adds a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, giving the chicken its signature Schezwan taste.

How To Make Schezwan Chicken?

If you're a fan of spicy and flavorful Chinese dishes, then schezwan chicken is definitely a recipe you should try at home! Here's a simple guide on how to make this delicious dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Marination

• Start by marinating 300 grams of boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces with 1 tsp of light soy sauce (or 1/2 tsp of dark soy sauce), 1/4 tsp of black pepper powder, a dash of Chinese five spice powder, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 2 tsp of cornflour. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with the flavors of the marination ingredients.

Sauce

• Prepare the sauce by mixing 3 tbsp of schezwan sauce, 3/4 tsp of soy sauce, 1/2 tsp of white pepper, 1 tsp of vinegar, 1 tsp of sugar, 3 tbsp of water, and 1 tsp of sesame oil in a small bowl. The sauce is what gives the schezwan chicken its signature spicy and tangy flavor, so be sure to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Cooking Schezwan Chicken

• After marinating the chicken, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick pan and stir-fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are browned or half-cooked. This step is crucial for ensuring that the chicken is tender and flavorful.
• Then, stir-fry ginger, garlic, spring onions, diced onions, green and red bell peppers, and baby corns until they are aromatic and cooked. Add the half-cooked chicken pieces back into the pan and stir continuously while adding the prepared sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce and creates a delicious coating on the chicken pieces.
• Lastly, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, add chopped green onions for garnishing, and serve hot with fried rice or noodles. This final step is what brings the entire dish together and enhances the overall flavor profile of the schezwan chicken.

By following these steps and paying attention to the marination, sauce preparation, and cooking process, you can create a mouthwatering schezwan chicken dish that is sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serving with Rice: Schezwan chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fried rice to soak up the spicy and flavorful sauce.
• Pairing with Noodles: For a complete meal, serve the schezwan chicken with a side of stir-fried noodles or lo mein to balance out the heat of the dish.
• Accompanying Vegetable Dish: Consider serving a light vegetable dish, such as sautéed broccoli or bok choy, to add freshness and crunch to the meal.
• Side of Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the schezwan chicken.
• Beverage Pairing: For a refreshing drink, consider serving a cold glass of iced tea or a light lager beer to complement the spiciness of the dish.
• Dessert Option: End the meal with a sweet treat like mango pudding or lychee sorbet to balance out the spicy flavors of the main dish.

Tips for Making Schezwan Chicken

• Preparation Duration: The marination process for the Schezwan chicken takes about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken. It's important to ensure that the chicken is well coated with the marination mixture for maximum flavor.
• Cooking Techniques: Stir-frying the chicken over medium to high heat is crucial for achieving a crispy texture and sealing in the flavors. It's important to stir continuously when adding the sauce to ensure that the chicken is well coated and cooked thoroughly.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Adding the chopped green onions as a garnish not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the Schezwan chicken. Don't forget to garnish with finesse to impress your guests.

Variations for Schezwan Chicken

• Protein Options: Instead of chicken, you can try making schezwan sauce with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even paneer for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Additions: Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts to add more texture and flavor to the dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less schezwan sauce or by adding additional chili paste or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Sweet and Sour Twist: For a sweet and sour variation, add pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to the sauce for a tangy kick.
• Nutty Flavor: Consider adding a handful of cashews or peanuts for a crunchy, nutty element to complement the spicy schezwan flavors.
• Citrus Infusion: For a refreshing twist, add some orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy pop.

How to Store Schezwan Chicken

• Marinated Chicken: Once marinated, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This ensures that the flavors have time to infuse into the chicken while maintaining its freshness.
• Sauce: Store the prepared sauce in a sealed jar or container and keep it refrigerated. It can be used within a week, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.
• Chopped Vegetables: Store the diced onions, bell peppers, and baby corn in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. This will help to retain their crunch and prevent them from spoiling.
• Cornflour: Keep the cornflour in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent it from clumping and absorbing moisture.
• Leftover Schezwan Chicken: If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated and enjoyed within 2-3 days.
• Prepared Dish: If you have prepared the Schezwan Chicken but have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat before serving to maintain the flavors and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I use instead of schezwan sauce?

• You can use chili garlic sauce or sriracha sauce as a substitute for schezwan sauce.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

How spicy is schezwan chicken?

• The spiciness of schezwan chicken can be adjusted by varying the amount of schezwan sauce used in the recipe. Start with a small amount and add more according to your heat preference.

Can I make schezwan chicken ahead of time?

• Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply follow the cooking instructions and enjoy freshly made schezwan chicken.

What can I serve with schezwan chicken?

• Schezwan chicken pairs well with fried rice, steamed rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make schezwan chicken without using cornflour?

• Cornflour helps to coat the chicken and gives it a crispy texture. However, if you prefer, you can skip the cornflour or use a small amount of all-purpose flour as a substitute.

Schezwan Chicken 2019-03-19 03:37:46

Recipe Card

Schezwan Chicken

Serves 3                             

Prep Time   00:10        

Cook Time   00:10        

Total Time   00:20

Ingredients        

For Marination

• 300 grams boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces
• 1 tsp light soy sauce or 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• dash of Chinese five spice powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp corn flour          

For Sauce

• 3 tbsp schezwan sauce or as needed
• 3/4 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp white pepper (I used mixed five peppers)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sesame oil          

For Cooking schezwan chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 inch fresh ginger, julienned
• 2 garlic pods, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped spring onions whites and greens
• 1/2 medium sized onion, diced
• 1 cup green and red bell pepper, diced
• 4 baby corns, chopped
• 1 tbsp of chopped green onions for garnishing

Instructions        

Preparations

• Firstly, wash and then cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces.
• Marinate the chicken pieces with the ingredients given under 'Marination', except the cornflour and mix well until well combined.
• Then add cornflour and mix well until well coated and set it aside for 15 mins.
• Finally, in a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until combined and set aside.          

How to cook schezwan chicken

• Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan with 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium to high heat.
• When the oil heats, add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry them until they turn into brown in color or half cooked,  remove them and set aside. It takes 2 to 3 mins.
• Heat the remaining oil. (add 1/2 tbsp oil if needed)
• When the oil heats, add ginger julienned and chopped garlic and stir fry for few seconds or until aromatic.
• Then add spring onions whites and green, stir fry for few more seconds over high heat.
• Also, add diced onions, stir fry until they become transparent.
• Then add the diced capsicums and chopped baby corns and stir fry for one minute or until a nice aroma comes from the peppers.
• Then add half cooked chicken pieces and give a good  stir for one minute.
• Also add the sauce ( reduce the heat to low) and stir continuously until the chicken is cooked and well coated with the sauce.
• Furthermore, add salt and pepper if needed.
• Finally, add the chopped green onions and give a quick stir, remove from the heat, and serve hot with fried rice or noodles.       

By Santhi Therese    

The Indian Claypot https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Firstly, wash and then cut the chicken breast
into 1-inch pieces. Marinate the chicken pieces
with the ingredients given under ‘Marination’,
except the cornflour and mix well
until well combined.

Then add cornflour and

mix well until well coated and set it
aside for 15 mins.

Finally, in a small bowl, mix all the sauce
ingredients until combined and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan with 2 tbsp of
olive oil over medium to high heat.

When the oil heats, add the marinated
chicken pieces and

stir-fry them until they turn into brown in color
or half cooked,  remove them and set aside.
It takes 2 to 3 mins.

Heat the remaining oil. (add 1/2 tbsp oil if needed)
When the oil heats, add ginger julienned
and chopped garlic and stir fry for few seconds.

Then add spring onions whites and green,
stir fry for few more seconds. Do all the process
over high heat.

Also, add diced onions, stir fry until
they become transparent.

Then add the diced capsicums and
chopped baby corns and

stir fry for one minute or until a nice
aroma comes from the peppers.

Then add the half cooked chicken pieces
and give a good stir for one minute.

Also, add the sauce  (reduce the heat to low)
and stir continuously until the chicken is cooked
and well coated with the sauce.
Furthermore, add salt and pepper if needed.

Finally, add the chopped green onions
and give a quick stir, remove from the heat.
Your spicy schezwan chicken is ready to eat!
Serve hot with fried rice or noodles.