Sizzling Szechuan Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for Spicy Bliss

Crafting a mouthwatering szechuan chicken and broccoli strikes the perfect balance between bold spices and tender protein.

Fiery flavors dance across your palate with each carefully seasoned bite.

Authentic chinese cuisine brings depth to this classic stir-fry combination.

Aromatic ginger and garlic infuse the dish with incredible complexity.

Vibrant green broccoli florets provide a crisp contrast against succulent chicken pieces.

Chili-laden sauce coats every morsel, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor each spicy, savory moment of this incredible meal.

Why Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli Packs Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a bold Szechuan chicken dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an explosion of flavor, perfect for those craving a zesty culinary adventure.
• Master Complex Flavors Easily: This recipe breaks down intricate Szechuan cooking techniques into simple steps, making restaurant-quality cuisine accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Combo: Packed with protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense broccoli, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized without compromising on taste.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Minimal prep and fast cooking time make this recipe a go-to for busy households wanting a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli

• Chicken: Tender meat marinated to absorb savory flavors.

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green vegetable adding nutrition and texture.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients providing depth and traditional Asian flavor.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Wine: Marinade ingredients tenderizing and enhancing chicken's taste.
• Szechuan Sauce: Signature spicy and tangy sauce defining the dish's character.
• Chili Oil, Sesame Oil: Oils adding heat and nutty undertones.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base creating a rich sauce consistency.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent ensuring sauce clings to chicken and broccoli.
• Sugar, White Pepper: Balancing sweetness and providing subtle heat.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings adding visual appeal and final flavor layer.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying.

How To Make Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli At Home

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Marinade

Dive into flavor by soaking chicken pieces in a quick bath of soy sauce and rice wine. Let the chicken chill and soak up those tasty notes for about 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy Sauce

• Szechuan sauce
• Chili oil
• Sesame oil
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• White pepper

Blend everything until you’ve got a silky-smooth sauce that’s ready to rock.

Step 3: Fire Up the Wok

Crank your wok or skillet to high heat. Pour in vegetable oil and wait until it’s dancing and super hot.

Step 4: Sizzle the Chicken

Toss in the marinated chicken and stir-fry like a pro. Keep it moving for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and is almost fully cooked.

Step 5: Awaken the Aromatics

Quickly add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir fast to prevent burning and release those mouthwatering scents that’ll make everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 6: Bring in the Broccoli

Slide broccoli florets into the wok. Keep stirring for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and perfectly crisp-tender.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Pour your prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir continuously to ensure every bite is coated. Let it simmer and thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Flair

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of deliciousness.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Plate over steamed rice, making sure each serving gets a perfect mix of spicy chicken, tender broccoli, and that incredible sauce. Enjoy your Szechuan masterpiece!

Pro Tips For Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli Success

• Marinate Wisely: Use room temperature chicken to ensure even and quick flavor absorption throughout the meat.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and broccoli.
• Wok Temperature Technique: Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking to get that authentic golden-brown sear on chicken without burning.
• Quick Stir-Fry Strategy: Keep ingredients moving rapidly in the wok to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, maintaining broccoli's vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Spice Adjustment Option: Modify chili oil quantity to control heat level, making the dish adaptable for different spice tolerances while preserving authentic Szechuan flavors.

Fun Variations Of Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli

• Veggie Power: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu cubes for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the classic Szechuan spice profile.
• Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops, reducing cooking time to prevent overcooking while preserving the signature bold sauce.
• Mild Family Friendly: Reduce chili oil and white pepper for a less spicy option that kids and adults with sensitive palates can enjoy, keeping the core flavor intact.
• Green Medley: Expand vegetable mix by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts for extra crunch and nutritional diversity.

What To Serve With Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli

• Pair with Zesty Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet, aromatic German Riesling that balances the spicy szechuan heat while complementing the dish's complex flavors.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice Pairing: Serve steamed jasmine rice alongside the chicken to absorb the spicy sauce and provide a soft, fragrant counterpoint to the bold szechuan flavors.
• Match with Crisp Asian Beer: Select a light lager like Tsingtao or Asahi to cool down the spicy notes and refresh the palate between bites of the fiery chicken and broccoli.
• Complement with Cucumber Salad: Create a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, crunchy side that helps neutralize the dish's intense spiciness.

How To Store Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli Easily

• Store leftover Szechuan chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crisp texture and bold flavors intact.
• Pack cooled chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and maintain chicken's tenderness.
• Keep sauce and chicken-broccoli mixture in different containers to prevent soggy ingredients. Combine just before reheating to maintain original texture and prevent broccoli from becoming mushy.

FAQs About Szechuan Chicken And Broccoli

• What makes Szechuan cuisine unique?

Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors and use of Sichuan peppercorns, which create a distinctive numbing and tingling sensation called “mala” that sets it apart from other Chinese regional cooking styles.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chili oil and Szechuan sauce. For those who prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili oil or use a less spicy chili sauce.

• Why marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse deeper flavors, and ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful during high-heat stir-frying.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and crispness.

Szechuan Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Szechuan Chicken and Broccoli elevates home cooking with bold Chinese flavors and fiery spice. Peppers, garlic, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering dish that delivers restaurant-quality excitement right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine

Vegetables:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp szechuan sauce
• 2 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and rice wine for 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
2. Whisk szechuan sauce, chili oil, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper in a separate bowl to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
4. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry rapidly for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
5. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
6. Toss broccoli florets into the wok, continuing to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender.
7. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and broccoli, stirring continuously to coat evenly and allow sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve immediately over steamed rice, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of chicken, broccoli, and spicy sauce.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor infusion by piercing meat with a fork before adding marinade, allowing deeper sauce penetration.
• Use high heat consistently to achieve authentic wok-style “wok hei” caramelization, which creates complex flavor layers and prevents soggy ingredients.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili oil quantity – add more for intense heat or reduce for milder palates without compromising traditional Szechuan profile.
• Prepare gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg