Nut-Free Szechuan Chicken

Dive into the bold flavors of Nut-Free Szechuan Chicken, a vibrant twist on a classic Chinese takeout favorite that's perfect for anyone avoiding nuts. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in cornstarch for a light, crispy exterior, then stir-fried to perfection with fragrant ginger, garlic, and fiery Szechuan peppercorns. A savory, tangy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin adds depth, while dried red chilies bring the heat. Serve this quick and easy 35-minute dish over fluffy white rice, optionally paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a complete, wholesome meal. Packed with authentic Szechuan flavors, this nut-free recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or spicing up your meal rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
• 6 dried red chilies
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
• 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, tossing until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced ginger, garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine.

Step 5

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. If using broccoli florets, add them now and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.

Step 6

Sprinkle with sliced scallions and give everything one final toss.

Step 7

Serve the nut-free Szechuan chicken hot over cooked white rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1867.2 grams (1867.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2588

Total Fat 83.40g	107%
Saturated Fat 18.80g	94%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.30g
Cholesterol 568mg	189%
Sodium 3078mg	134%
Total Carbohydrate 304.30g	111%
Dietary Fiber 26.30g	94%
Total Sugars 21.80g
Protein 164.00g	328%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 360mg	28%
Iron 25mg	141%
Potassium 3342mg	71%

*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: 28.6%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 46.4%