Sichuan (Szechuan) Chicken

This Sichuan chicken stir-fry brings bold flavours to your plate with tender, oven-baked chicken in a light golden coating, tossed with bell peppers and onion in a rich, savoury sauce. A balance of heat, umami, and subtle sweetness makes every bite deeply satisfying.

Quick to cook and packed with flavour, this dish is perfect for a fuss-free meal that feels just as good as your favourite takeaway. Serve it over jasmine rice to complement the flavours for a delicious and comforting dinner.

Calories in Sichuan Chicken

This recipe serves 3 and is 381 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Sichuan vs. Szechuan – What’s the Difference?

Both names refer to Sichuan province, the home of bold, spicy flavours. Sichuan is the modern spelling, while Szechuan comes from an older Western romanisation still seen on menus and recipes.

A key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine is the Sichuan peppercorn, which isn’t a true pepper but a dried berry from the prickly ash tree. It gives dishes a unique tingly, numbing sensation. Whichever name you use, the flavours stay the same—rich, savoury, and packed with the signature heat that makes this cuisine so popular!

Variations and Substitutes

If you're looking to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or what's available in your kitchen, here are a few simple swaps you can try.

• Sichuan Peppercorns: If you don’t like the tingling sensation, swap for black peppercorns or omit the peppercorns entirely and increase the amount of Chinese Five Spice for a more aromatic flavour.
• Chicken: Swap the chicken for boneless pork shoulder steaks for a richer, tender texture that pairs well with the bold sauce. Pork adds a different depth of flavour while still absorbing the savoury sauce.
• Dried Red Chillies: In Sichuan chicken, whole dried red chillies are typically used to add a smoky heat and deep flavour. If you prefer a milder option, you can reduce the number or omit them entirely. Alternatively, you can substitute with chili flakes or fresh chillies, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey makes an excellent substitute, adding a slightly different sweetness but still balancing the savoury and spicy elements in the dish.
• Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables—baby corn, carrot slices, or mushrooms all work well, adding their own unique textures and sweetness to balance the dish.
• Shaoxing Wine: If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute, or mix a splash of rice vinegar with a little sugar for a similar sweet and tangy effect.

These variations let you personalise the dish to your liking, whether you're swapping proteins, adjusting spices, or playing with different vegetable combinations!

Sides to Serve with Sichuan Chicken

For a satisfying and balanced meal, serve your Sichuan chicken with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options to complement the bold flavours of the dish:

• Jasmine Rice: The fragrant, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice is the perfect base for soaking up the rich sauce of the stir-fry. It’s a classic and always a favourite!
• Egg Fried Rice: For a little extra flavour and texture, try egg fried rice. The soft scrambled eggs add richness, while the slightly crispy rice brings a satisfying bite.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you're looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute. It’s light but still provides a great base to enjoy the savoury sauce.
• Egg Fried Cauliflower Rice: For a more indulgent low-carb option, try egg fried cauliflower rice. The eggs help bind the rice while adding extra flavour and richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter additional side, serve the chicken with a mix of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. These vegetables add freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the dish.

Each of these sides complements the flavours of the Sichuan chicken while offering variety, whether you're after something classic, low-carb, or fresh.

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