Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions

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

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried in a spicy Szechuan sauce with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a bold, flavorful dish. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 35 minutes pairs toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp ground toasted Szechuan peppercorns. Toss well and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the edges are golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 6 halved dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the wok, add 1 tsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp black vinegar, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 sliced scallions over the top, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions 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 Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 Sesame and Scallions 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 Sesame and Scallions?

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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