Description
This Spicy Sichuan Poached Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic Chinese dish featuring tender poached chicken breasts infused with ginger, scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns. Served with a vibrant sauce made from soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, and toasted sesame oil, and garnished with crunchy roasted peanuts, fresh scallions, and cilantro. Perfect served chilled or at room temperature, it balances heat, umami, and a touch of sweetness for a classic Sichuan experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Poaching Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups water
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili oil with sediment
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Poach the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot with 6 cups of water, ginger slices, scallion pieces, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and poach for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, chili oil with sediment, toasted sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and ground Sichuan peppercorn until well combined.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving plate and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts, finely chopped scallion, and fresh cilantro over the sauced chicken. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Adjust chili oil quantity based on your desired spice level.
- For added richness, drizzle a little extra sesame oil right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Chinese
