Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Peanuts

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

A fiery stir-fry combining tender chicken with crunchy peanuts and bold Szechuan peppercorns for a mouth-tingling experience. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns, minced garlic cloves, finely grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 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 6 dried red chilies and 1 tsp toasted ground Szechuan peppercorns, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, stir-fry for 20 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken pieces are golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir well to coat the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/3 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts and 3 sliced green onions, stir for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Mix in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water), cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss gently, and serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Peanuts 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 Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

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

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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