Name: The Ultimate Bold and Savory Szechuan Chicken with Cashews Guide
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan)
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); ½ cup cashew nuts; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (lightly crushed); 2–3 dried red chilies; 1 tbsp garlic (minced); 1 tsp ginger (minced); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp oil; 1 tsp vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp water or chicken stock; Salt to taste; Spring onions (for garnish)

Description

To truly appreciate this meal, one must understand what makes it tick. At its heart, Szechuan Chicken with Cashews is a stir-fry dish that relies on a specific profile of spices and aromatics. While many people associate Szechuan food solely with intense heat, the reality is much more nuanced. The hallmark of this style of cooking is “mala,” a term that describes the combination of spicy heat from chilies and the numbing, tingly sensation provided by Sichuan peppercorns.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup cashew nuts
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (lightly crushed)
2–3 dried red chilies
1 tbsp garlic (minced)
1 tsp ginger (minced)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water or chicken stock
Salt to taste
Spring onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

2. Toast the cashews

Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly toast the cashews until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the chicken

In the same pan, add oil and cook the marinated chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Build the flavor

Add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, then add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant.

5. Combine everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Add vinegar, sugar, and water/stock. Stir well to coat.

6. Add cashews

Mix in the toasted cashews and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

7. Garnish & serve

Top with chopped spring onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

This Szechuan Chicken with Cashews is a bold and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and the signature heat of Sichuan peppercorns. Perfect for spice lovers, it brings a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness to your table!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 320 kcal

Keywords: Sichuan Cashew Chicken, Spicy Chinese Chicken and Nuts, Mala Chicken Stir Fry, Sichuan Style Cashew Poultry