Description
This Spicy Sichuan Poached Chicken is a flavorful Chinese dish featuring tender poached chicken breasts or thighs topped with a spicy, tangy Sichuan-style chili and sesame sauce. The chicken is gently poached with aromatic ginger and scallions for a moist texture and then drenched in a vibrant sauce made with chili oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted Sichuan peppercorns for a bold, numbing heat. Served best with steamed rice or noodles and optional garnishes like peanuts or cilantro, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spice, acidity, and savory richness that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups water
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 2 scallions (cut into large pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the spicy Sichuan sauce:
- 2 tablespoons chili oil with flakes (Sichuan-style)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (toasted and crushed)
- 1 scallion (finely sliced)
For serving:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Chopped peanuts or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Poach the chicken: In a pot, combine the chicken, water, fresh ginger slices, scallions cut into large pieces, Shaoxing wine (if using), and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot and allow the chicken to poach gently for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Make the spicy Sichuan sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the chili oil with flakes, soy sauce, black or rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, finely minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, toasted and crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and finely sliced scallion. Stir the ingredients well to form a harmonious, spicy-sour sauce.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the sliced or shredded chicken neatly on a serving plate. Spoon the prepared spicy Sichuan sauce generously over the top of the chicken. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns according to your preferred spice level.
- You can use leftover poached chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
- For a refreshing cold version, chill the poached chicken and serve it with cold noodles or cucumber slices during warm weather.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Sichuan, Chinese
