Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a show-stopping, fiery feast, look no further than Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken. Famous for its irresistible crunch and bold, peppery heat, this dish is a symphony of juicy chicken encased in a whisper-thin crispy shell, electrified by heaps of dried red chilies and Szechuan peppercorns that tingle your lips in the most addictive way. Every bite is an adventure—a perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and spicy flavors that makes Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken a true must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, authentic Chinese cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

As impressive as Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken looks and tastes, the core ingredients are surprisingly approachable and each one pulls its weight in flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish pop, from its golden fried chicken to its chorus of mouth-tingling aromatics.

• Chicken thighs or wings: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up those bold flavors; cut into bite-sized pieces for the ideal crunch-to-juiciness ratio.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and beautiful color to the marinade and final stir-fry.
• Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): This splash of Chinese cooking wine enhances both aroma and meat tenderness.
• Salt: Essential for well-seasoned, flavorful chicken bites.
• White pepper: Offers gentle, nuanced heat that balances the dish’s boldness.
• Egg white: Acts as “glue” for the cornstarch crust, keeping the chicken light and crisp.
• Cornstarch: The key to that signature delicate, crunchy coating.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like peanut or vegetable for the crispiest results.
• Dried red chilies: The visual and spicy heart of Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken; pick vibrant, glossy ones for the best flavor and drama.
• Szechuan peppercorns: These little marvels provide the trademark lip-tingling, citrusy heat that sets this dish apart.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced for sweet, nutty fragrance with every bite.
• Fresh ginger: Sliced to release its warm, earthy aroma that rounds out the spice.
• Scallions: Chopped for brightness and color at the end.
• Sesame seeds: A toasty finishing touch for flavor and a little extra crunch.
• Light soy sauce: Bright, salty balance to the intense heat of the chilies.
• Sugar: Just a touch to subtly balance the spice.
• Sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for that signature nutty finish.

How to Make Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and egg white. This quick but deeply flavorful marinade infuses every bite with umami, while the egg white ensures a crisp-fried exterior. Give your chicken at least 20 minutes to soak in all those seasonings—it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Coat and Fry

Once marinated, toss your chicken in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This is your ticket to that irresistible shattering crunch. Heat oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C), and fry the chicken in batches so each morsel turns perfectly golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes. Drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy and light.

Step 3: Toast the Aromatics

Pour out the frying oil, leaving just a slick, and start fresh in your wok. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, then toss in Szechuan peppercorns until they’re fragrant—about 30 seconds—then garlic, ginger, and chilies. Stir-fry briefly, just enough to awaken all those intoxicating aromas without burning the spices.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return your crispy chicken to the wok with the sizzling aromatics. Splash in light soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, then toss quickly to coat every piece. Finish by sprinkling in chopped scallions and a shower of sesame seeds. The result is a wok full of bold, lively Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken that’s ready to wow your senses!

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This dish is all about that just-fried crunch, so plate your Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken right away. Scatter a few extra dried chilies and sesame seeds on top for dramatic flair, and enjoy it hot with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.

How to Serve Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken comes alive with visual drama and extra spark when you finish it with toasted sesame seeds, a few fresh scallion greens, and an extra scattering of dried chilies. Not only do these add color, but they invite everyone to dig in with their eyes (and taste buds) first.

Side Dishes

This dish begs to be the center of attention, but it pairs beautifully with simple, cooling sides. Think bowls of steamed jasmine rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or sautéed Asian greens. These dishes balance the heat and round out your Szechuan feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken on a big platter piled high with chilies, just like at your favorite Szechuan restaurant. For parties, portion it into small bowls or paper cones, letting guests munch on crispy bites as a spicy appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, allow the Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken to cool to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. The bold flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken pieces (before tossing with aromatics) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can quickly re-toast and combine with peppercorns, chilies, and aromatics later for that fresh-cooked flavor.

Reheating

To bring back crispiness, reheat the chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer until hot and crunchy, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy—wok-tossing with a little oil is another great option to revive texture.

FAQs

How spicy is Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken, really?

It’s definitely made to pack a punch, but you’re in control! Adjust the quantity of chilies and Szechuan peppercorns to match your heat tolerance. Removing some seeds from the chilies also softens the spice level without sacrificing that signature aroma.

Do I have to use chicken thighs, or can I use another cut?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tender texture, but you can also use wings for a fun party-friendly version, or even diced chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook if using breast meat.

Where can I find Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies?

Your local Asian market is the best bet for authentic ingredients, but international sections of large grocery stores often carry them too. Online spice retailers are another convenient and reliable source for obtaining fresh, aromatic chilies and peppercorns.

Can I make a milder version for kids or spicy-shy eaters?

Absolutely! You can scale back on both the Szechuan peppercorns and chilies, or use milder varieties. The secret’s in the technique, so you’ll still get plenty of flavor even with less heat. Add extra scallions or roasted peanuts for texture and fun.

Is Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken gluten free?

The main recipe uses cornstarch (naturally gluten free), but check your soy sauce brand, as some contain wheat. Swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep your Laziji perfectly gluten-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine, dive in and try Laziji – Szechuan Spicy Fried Chicken. It’s a joyous, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers crunch, heat, and savory goodness in every bite. Gather your ingredients, trust the process, and get set for flavor fireworks—your friends and family will swoon over every last morsel!

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