home-cooked spicy chicken recipe

How to Make Spicy Chicken at Home: A Complete Guide

Spicy chicken, a beloved comfort dish, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and fiery, aromatic flavor. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients: 500g chicken (thighs or breast, diced into 1-inch pieces), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 egg white, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 10-15 dried chilies (sliced), 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch ginger (julienned), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt, and sugar to taste.

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix diced chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, egg white, and cornstarch. Let it rest for 20 minutes to tenderize.

2. Prepare aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add garlic and ginger—sauté until golden.

3. Cook the chicken: Increase heat to high. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden and crispy (5-7 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar to balance the heat.

4. Finish and serve: Toss everything together, then drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil for extra richness. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a snack.

Tips: For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken: first at 160°C for 3 minutes, then at 190°C until crispy. Adjust chili quantity to suit your spice preference. Enjoy this fiery, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!