Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry as a sub)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground white pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth (or water)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (peanut oil is ideal)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) raw peanuts (or cashews for a less traditional, but still delicious, option)
  • 6-8 dried red chili peppers, halved and seeded (or chili flakes to taste, if you're scared!)
  • 1 inch (2.5cm) ginger, peeled and minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions (scallions), white and light green parts, chopped
  • Optional: Sichuan peppercorns to taste

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (longer is better).
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Toast the Peanuts (Optional): If using raw peanuts, toast them in a dry wok or skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns (if using) and stir-fry briefly until fragrant. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry for another 15 seconds.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned.
  6. Add the Sauce: Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  7. Add Peanuts and Green Onions: Stir in the toasted peanuts and green onions.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve hot over rice. Consider this one of the best chinese recipes you can make!