SPICY CHINESE FRIED CHICKEN Recipe | How to Make Chinese Style Fried Chicken With Chilies 重庆辣子鸡

cornstarch

🥗Healthier: arrowroot powder

💰Cheaper: potato starch

Arrowroot is a healthier thickening agent, while potato starch is often less expensive.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: self-rising flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while self-rising flour can save on leavening agents.

chili paste

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: hot sauce

Sriracha offers a similar flavor profile, while hot sauce is often more affordable.

five-spice powder

🥗Healthier: cinnamon and nutmeg

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic some flavors, while mixed spices might be more cost-effective.

Introduce the dish and its significance in Chinese cuisine.

Gather ingredients: 1 cup peppercorn, 1 star anise, 1 cup peanuts (optional), 2.5 to 3 cups dried chilies, 0.5 head of garlic, 8 slices of ginger, 3 tablespoons xiaochun cooking wine, 1 teaspoon five-spice, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 scallion, 1.5 pounds chicken, 1 teaspoon sugar, cornstarch (optional), cooking oil.

Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

Marinate the chicken with 3 tablespoons xiaochun cooking wine, 1 teaspoon five-spice, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and a few slices of ginger. Add chopped scallions and mix well. Let it sit for over 20 minutes.

Prepare for frying by setting up a plate with paper towels to catch excess oil and an extra pot for used oil.

Heat cooking oil in a pot on high until it reaches about 60% heat (when a bamboo skewer or wooden chopstick bubbles after half a second).

Coat the marinated chicken with cornstarch (optional) before frying.

Fry the chicken in the oil for about 2 to 3 minutes to cook it through. Remove and set aside.

Increase the oil heat to about 80-90% (when smoke starts to come out) for crisping the chicken.

Fry the chicken again for about 30 seconds until crispy. Remove and set aside.

In a separate pan, heat oil on high and add ginger, peppercorn, and star anise. Cook for about half a minute.

Add garlic and dried chilies, cooking on medium to medium-low heat to release aromas.

Add dry roasted peanuts and stir for another minute to combine flavors.

Add the fried chicken back into the pan, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar and a tiny splash of cooking wine. Stir to combine and turn off the heat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens