Ma La Chicken

Dive into the bold and electrifying flavors of Ma La Chicken, a classic Sichuan dish that expertly balances spicy heat and tingly numbness, thanks to its signature combination of dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. This quick and flavorful stir-fry features tender marinated chicken thighs infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a savory base that’s perfectly complemented by a touch of sweetness and optional crunchy peanuts or cashews. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish is an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the addictive sauce, and let the iconic "ma la" sensation transform your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 15 pieces Dried red chilies
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
• 2 stalks Scallions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 50 grams Peanuts or cashews (optional)
• 4 servings Rice or noodles (to serve)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.

Step 2

Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the chicken. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3

While the chicken marinates, prepare the other ingredients: chop the scallions, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out the Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies.

Step 4

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, add the Sichuan peppercorns and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, making sure they don’t burn.

Step 6

Add the dried chilies and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Adjust the quantity of chilies to your spice tolerance.

Step 7

Increase the heat to high and add the marinated chicken to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8

Push the chicken to the side of the wok and add 2 more tablespoons of vegetable oil to the center. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 9

Mix the chicken and aromatics together, then add 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 10

If desired, add peanuts or cashews for extra texture and flavor. Stir to combine.

Step 11

Add the chopped scallions and give everything a final toss. Remove from heat.

Step 12

Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles and enjoy the spicy numbing flavors of Ma La Chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1169.7 grams (1169.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2316

Total Fat 130.80g	168%
Saturated Fat 25.10g	126%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.60g
Cholesterol 433mg	144%
Sodium 2802mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 166.10g	60%
Dietary Fiber 16.40g	59%
Total Sugars 9.50g
Protein 134.70g	269%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 242mg	19%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 2314mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 27.9%