Hi there, lovely readers! I’m Sarah Lee, a dietitian and mom who loves whipping up quick, nutritious meals for my family. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s packed with bold flavors and is super easy to make – Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad. If you enjoy a bit of spice and fresh, vibrant flavors, this salad is perfect for you!
Yummy Salad With A Spicy Twist
A while back, I was at a local Asian market with my kids, looking for different ingredients and spices. We stumbled upon some Sichuan peppercorns and red chili peppers, and I thought, why not try something new? That weekend, I experimented with those spices, creating a salad that was not only simple but packed of flavors and nutrients.
While the floral, citrus flavour of Sichuan pepper is attractive in its own right, the spice induces a numbing, tingling sensation that is key to its culinary importance in Sichuan cuisine.
britannica
Imagine tender, poached chicken, shredded and tossed in a vibrant mix of Sichuan spices, sesame, and fresh cilantro. The first bite is like an explosion of flavors – spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with the fresh cilantro adding a taste of freshness. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, this salad will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad
This salad is a new way to bring some excitement to your dinner table. The combination of Sichuan peppercorns, red chili peppers, and smoked paprika gives the chicken a nice kick, while the toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for everyone.
Chef’s Notes:
- For best results, use freshly ground Sichuan peppercorns for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting the red chili pepper.
- This salad pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad
Dive into the bold flavors of Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad! Perfectly poached chicken is shredded and tossed in a tantalizing mix of spices, sesame, and fresh cilantro. This dish is a flavor explosion that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, this salad will not disappoint. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes320
kcal10
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Chicken
boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts
5 cups water
- Spicy Sauce
1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns
1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
2 tsp tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey or agave syrup
3 tbsp reserved chicken broth
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Garnish
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken: Substitute with turkey breast for a different protein.
Soy Sauce: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Agave Nectar: Replace with maple syrup or honey.
Cilantro: Swap with parsley if you dislike cilantro.
Directions
- Place the chicken thighs and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Reserve the broth for later use.
- Allow the cooked chicken to cool until it can be handled comfortably. Remove any skin, bones, and excess fat. Shred the meat using your hands or two forks and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- While the chicken is cooling, combine the ground Sichuan peppercorns, sliced red chili pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, sea salt, and toasted sesame seeds in a heat-proof bowl.
- Heat a skillet over high heat until it’s hot. Reduce the heat to medium and add the vegetable oil. Let it heat for about 10 seconds until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture in the bowl and stir briefly to combine. Allow it to sit for about 20 seconds before adding tamari (or soy sauce), apple cider vinegar, honey (or agave syrup), reserved chicken broth, and toasted sesame oil.
- Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the shredded chicken in the mixing bowl. Gently toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Just before serving, toss in the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Equipment
- 4-quart saucepan with lid
- 8-inch skillet
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 10mg
Embrace the Flavor
This Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad is more than just a meal – it’s an adventure in flavors. The combination of spices, sesame, and fresh cilantro creates a dish that is both exciting and comforting. It’s perfect for a quick weekday meal, a healthy option for meal prepping, or a standout dish at your next summer BBQ.
I hope you try out this recipe. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
So, enjoy this delicious and nutritious Sichuan Style Spicy Chicken Salad. Your taste buds will thank you!
