THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Sichuan-Seasoned Hot Chicken Strips
If you love bold flavors and a little heat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. These crispy chicken strips are perfectly seasoned with a spicy Sichuan twist that will keep you coming back for more.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Sichuan-Seasoned Hot Chicken Strips
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with a little salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the Sichuan peppercorn powder, a teaspoon of salt, cayenne, and paprika—set that aside for later.
02
Step 2
Next, get your dredging stations ready: pour the flour into a shallow dish, whisk the eggs and water together in another bowl, and combine the bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
03
Step 3
Coat each chicken tender by first dipping it in the flour, shaking off any extra, then into the egg mixture, and finally pressing it into the bread crumb mixture until well coated. Place the prepared tenders on a plate while you heat the oil.
04
Step 4
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy skillet and warm it over medium heat until it reaches around 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in batches—turning them occasionally—until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on the oil temperature between batches to make sure it stays hot enough.
05
Step 5
Right after frying, toss the chicken strips with the Sichuan spice mix you made earlier. Add as much or as little as you like—the more you add, the spicier it gets. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish perfectly balances bold spices with crispy, tender chicken. The Sichuan seasoning adds a unique numbing heat that excites your taste buds. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
How to serve
Serve with steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad to cool down the spice. Adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can brighten the dish. A cold drink, such as iced tea, pairs nicely with the heat.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
