Stir-Fried Szechuan Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Chili Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken tossed with toasted sesame seeds and a spicy Szechuan chili oil sauce for a bold, flavorful dish. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, Szechuan peppercorns 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns and 8 dried red chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour into the wok, tossing the chicken to coat and cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 sliced green onions over the dish, and toss gently before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 and Chili Oil?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

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

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 and Chili Oil 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 and Chili Oil?

Chinese stir fry 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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