Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a numbing and flavorful Sichuan peppercorn sauce that highlights true Chinese spice balance. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lightly toast 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then crush coarsely with a mortar and pestle.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season lightly with salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp minced ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and the crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it to reheat for 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sichuan peppercorns from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Authentic Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes