Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Peanuts

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

Tender chicken pieces coated in a pungent Szechuan peppercorn sauce and finished with a crunchy peanut topping for balanced heat and texture. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp ground Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp sugar in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp peanut oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups snap peas and cook for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, pour in sauce mixture, and stir to coat; cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes and 1/2 cup peanuts, then cook for 1 more minute until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Peanuts?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

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

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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Peanuts 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Peanuts?

Asian one pot 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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