Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with bold Szechuan peppercorns and toasted sesame seeds for a spicy, aromatic dish. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 25 minutes pairs toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns, toasted sesame seeds, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 6 dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs to the wok and stir-fry vigorously for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce simmers.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp ground toasted Szechuan peppercorns and 2 sliced scallions, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in the 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

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 toasted sesame seeds from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

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 Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

Chinese chinese 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.

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