Szechuan Chicken is a deliciously simple hot and spicy chicken recipe that is an affordable way to enjoy all of the flavors of takeout at home! Adjust the spice level to make this a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Hot And Spicy Chicken
- Easy. A quick and easy weeknight meal that is ready in under 30 minutes .
- Flavorful. Packed with sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, this Szechuan chicken is sure to be added to your dinner rotation.
- Budget-friendly. Get all of your favorite take-out flavors at a fraction of the price when you make Szechuan Chicken at home!
What Is The Flavor Of Szechuan Chicken?
Szechuan chicken is known for its bold and complex flavor, with a perfect balance of spicy, numbing, savory, and aromatic elements.
- Spicy - Szechuan cuisine is renowned for its use of spicy ingredients, particularly the Szechuan peppercorn and dried red chili peppers. These elements give the dish a fiery, tingling sensation on the palate.
- Numbing - Szechuan peppercorns, in particular, are known for their numbing effect, which is unique to this cuisine. They create a sensation that is akin to a mild anesthesia on the tongue and lips.
- Savory and Umami - Szechuan chicken typically contains umami-rich ingredients such as soy sauce, fermented bean paste (usually doubanjiang), and often black vinegar. These ingredients contribute to the dish’s deep and savory taste.
- Garlicky - Garlic is a common ingredient in Szechuan chicken recipes. It adds a pungent and aromatic dimension to the flavor.
- Slightly Sweet - Some recipes might include a touch of sweetness, often from sugar or hoisin sauce, to balance out the spiciness and create a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Aromatics - Aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions are frequently used in Szechuan chicken to infuse the dish with fragrant undertones.
What Is Typically In Szechuan Chicken?
The beauty of Szechuan Chicken is that it can be customized to fit your flavor and ingredient preferences.
Here are a few things that are commonly found in this hot and spicy chicken dish, but the list of ingredients can vary depending on which recipe you use:
- Chicken
- Chicken Broth
- Szechuan Peppercorns
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Hoisin Sauce
- Bell Peppers
- Chili Peppers
- Brown Sugar
- Vegetable Oil
- Cornstarch
- Garlic
Garnishes for hot and spicy chicken can include:
- Green Onions
- Sesame Seeds
- Julienned Carrots
How To Make Szechuan Chicken
There are several steps to making this Szechuan Chicken recipe, but if you follow the steps below, it will make this dinner a breeze.
- Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Place the oil in a skillet on your stovetop and allow the oil to become hot. Add the chunks of chicken to the oil in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in two batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers, onion, Szechuan peppercorns, and red chilies and cook over medium-low heat until the peppers are tender and the onions are translucent.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the cooked vegetables. Allow it to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Next, stir the cooked chicken into the sauce and veggie combination.
- Remove the Szechuan Chicken from the skillet, serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Make it mild. The sauce in this Szechuan Chicken can be a bit on the spicy side, so if you have a low tolerance for heat, you can simply reduce or completely omit the diced chilies.
- Double up the sauce. Have I mentioned the sauce yet in this recipe? Just kidding. It’s seriously the star of the dish, and for good reason. It’s so flavor-packed and delicious! If you want to have extra sauce to soak up in a bowl of rice, double up the sauce ingredients but keep the amount of chicken and veggies the same.
- Pick a different protein. If your family isn’t a huge fan of chicken, you can enjoy the same flavors paired with a different protein. Try it with cooked steak, pork, or even ground beef.
What Do You Serve With It?
Chances are you’ll be so busy stuffing your face with tasty chunks of hot and spicy chicken you won’t even think about eating anything else.
If you want to enjoy the familiarity of your favorite takeout experience, here are some things you could enjoy alongside this Szechuan Chicken recipe:
- Rice
- Wontons
- Crab Rangoon
- Potstickers
How Long Does It Last?
Szechuan Chicken is just as great reheated as it is fresh. The flavor of the sauce is vibrant and the chicken is tender. So, if you have anything left over, don’t worry! It’ll be just as good the next day.
For the best bite, store any extras in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheat, and enjoy.
More Tasty Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Keto Chicken Tenders
- Kung Pao Chicken
Szechuan Chicken | Hot and Spicy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Chicken Breasts
- ▢ 2 tbsp Szechuan Peppercorns
- ▢ 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- ▢ 2 Bell Peppers , assorted colors
- ▢ 1/2 cup Onion , diced
- ▢ 2 Dried Red Chilis
- ▢ 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ▢ 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ▢ 2 green onions , chopped
- ▢ 1 tbsp sesame seeds , garnish
- ▢ 1/4 cup carrots , julienned
- ▢ 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- ▢ 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ▢ 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Place the oil in a skillet on your stovetop and allow the oil to become hot. Add the chunks of chicken to the oil in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in two batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers, onion, Szechuan peppercorns, and red chilies and cook over medium-low heat until the peppers are tender and the onions are translucent.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the cooked vegetables. Allow it to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Next, stir the cooked chicken into the sauce and veggie combination.
- Remove the Szechuan Chicken from the skillet, serve and enjoy!
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Szechuan Chicken | Hot and Spicy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Szechuan Peppercorns
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Bell Peppers assorted colors
- 1/2 cup Onion diced
- 2 Dried Red Chilis
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds garnish
- 1/4 cup carrots julienned
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Place the oil in a skillet on your stovetop and allow the oil to become hot. Add the chunks of chicken to the oil in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in two batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers, onion, Szechuan peppercorns, and red chilies and cook over medium-low heat until the peppers are tender and the onions are translucent.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the cooked vegetables. Allow it to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Next, stir the cooked chicken into the sauce and veggie combination.
- Remove the Szechuan Chicken from the skillet, serve and enjoy!
Szechuan Chicken | Hot and Spicy Chicken Recipe https://twosleevers.com/szechuan-chicken/
Don’t miss out on the sweet and fluffy finish on top of your favorite treats. Keto Whipped Cream is a low carb approved option to serve with all of your favorite hot drinks and desserts.
Why You’ll Want To Put This On Everything
- Rich and Creamy . Just like traditional whipped cream, this whipped cream offers that rich and creamy texture you crave. It’s incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent topping for keto desserts.
- Low in Carbs . Unlike regular whipped cream sweetened with sugar, this recipe uses sugar substitutes that are low in carbohydrates. This means you can enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your ketosis.
- Customizable . You can customize the flavor with different extracts. While vanilla is a classic choice, you can experiment with options like almond, mint, or coconut to suit your preferences.
It is a keto-compliant, low-carb, and delightful topping that allows you to enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness you love while adhering to the principles of the ketogenic diet. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, making it a must-try for anyone on a keto journey.
Can You Have Whipped Cream On Keto?
Yes, you can have whipped cream on a keto diet, but it’s essential to use the right ingredients and make it in a keto-friendly way. Just be mindful of your portion sizes and the other ingredients in your dishes to ensure they align with your keto goals.
How Is Keto Whipped Cream Different Than Regular Whipped Cream?
Keto whipped cream and regular whipped cream share a similar preparation method, but the primary difference lies in the sweeteners used. This low carb whipped cream uses swerve confectioner’s sugar instead of the traditional variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Heavy Whipping Cream - Provides the creamy base for the whipped cream and serves as the primary source of fat
- Vanilla Extract - Enhances the flavor.
- Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar - A keto-friendly sweetener, sweetens the whipped cream while adhering to the low-carb requirements of the ketogenic diet.
How To Make Keto Whipped Cream
- Gather Your Ingredients. Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. Using cold heavy whipping cream will help it whip up nicely.
- Chill Your Mixing Bowl and Beaters. For the best results, it’s a good idea to chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you begin. This will help the cream whip up faster and fluffier.
- Start with Heavy Whipping Cream. Pour the heavy whipping cream into your chilled mixing bowl.
- Add Vanilla Extract. Measure out and add the vanilla extract to the cream. The vanilla extract adds a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with your keto desserts.
- Sweeten with Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar. Now, it’s time to sweeten your whipped cream with Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar. Swerve is a keto-friendly sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons, but feel free to adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. You can also use other keto-approved sweeteners if you prefer.
- Whip It Up. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, whip the cream on medium-high speed. Start slow to avoid splattering, and gradually increase the speed. Whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape and not be runny. Be cautious not to over-whip, as this can turn your whipped cream into butter.
- Taste and Adjust. Once you’ve reached your desired consistency, taste your whipped cream. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, you can add a bit more Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar and whip it in. Remember, it’s always easier to add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away, so adjust gradually.
Tips And Tricks
Making keto whipped cream is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your whipped cream turns out perfectly:
- Use Very Cold Equipment . To achieve fluffy whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start. This helps the cream whip up faster.
- Cold Heavy Whipping Cream . Make sure your heavy whipping cream is cold from the refrigerator. It’s easier to whip when chilled.
- Don’t Over-Whip . Whipping cream can quickly turn into butter if over-whipped. Once you reach stiff peaks (when the cream holds its shape and doesn’t get runny), stop whipping. If you accidentally over-whip, you can rescue it by gently mixing in a bit of unwhipped cream.
- Gradually Add Sweetener . Start with the recommended amount of keto sweetener (like Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar) and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. It’s easier to add more sweetness later, but you can’t take it away, so go slow.
Variations
Low Carb whipped cream is incredibly versatile, and you can create various flavor variations to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate Keto Whipped Cream - Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder (make sure it’s keto-friendly) and a bit of extra sweetener to taste. This creates a rich, chocolatey whipped cream.
- Coconut Keto Whipped Cream - Add a teaspoon of coconut extract and shredded unsweetened coconut to your whipped cream. It’s like a tropical treat.
- Cinnamon Keto Whipped Cream - Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
What to Serve It With
Keto whipped cream is a versatile topping that can be served with various low-carb desserts and beverages. Here are some keto-friendly options:
- Berries - Keto whipped cream pairs perfectly with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. It’s a classic and delicious combination.
- Chia Pudding - Top your keto chia pudding with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.
- Keto Ice Cream - Make your keto ice cream extra special by adding whipped cream and perhaps some keto-friendly chocolate chips or nuts.
- Keto Pancakes or Waffles - Drizzle your keto pancakes or waffles with whipped cream for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Keto Mousse - Top keto mousse recipes, like chocolate mousse or avocado mousse, with whipped cream for a luxurious dessert.
- Keto Brownies - Enhance the rich, chocolatey flavor of keto brownies with a swirl of keto whipped cream.
How Long Does It Last?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for a few days, but you may need to re-whip it slightly before using if it loses its stiffness.
More Low Carb Desserts
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Balls
Keto Whipped Cream | Low Carb Whipped Topping
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 2 tbsp Powdered Swerve
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients. Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. Using cold heavy whipping cream will help it whip up nicely.
- Chill Your Mixing Bowl and Beaters. For the best results, it’s a good idea to chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you begin. This will help the cream whip up faster and fluffier.
- Start with Heavy Whipping Cream. Pour the heavy whipping cream into your chilled mixing bowl.
- Add Vanilla Extract. Measure out and add the vanilla extract to the cream. The vanilla extract adds a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with your keto desserts.
- Sweeten with Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar. Now, it’s time to sweeten your whipped cream with Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar. Swerve is a keto-friendly sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons, but feel free to adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. You can also use other keto-approved sweeteners if you prefer.
- Whip It Up. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, whip the cream on medium-high speed. Start slow to avoid splattering, and gradually increase the speed. Whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape and not be runny. Be cautious not to over-whip, as this can turn your whipped cream into butter.
- Taste and Adjust. Once you’ve reached your desired consistency, taste your whipped cream. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, you can add a bit more Swerve Confectioner’s Sugar and whip it in. Remember, it’s always easier to add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away, so adjust gradually.
