🌶️🥦 Szechuan Chicken with Broccoli – Spicy Weeknight Favorite🌶️🥦

Step 2: Prepare the Szechuan Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps. Set aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
2. Immediately transfer broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden and just cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Aromatics and Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Toss in the blanched broccoli and optional bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared Szechuan sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
3. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Szechuan Chicken

• Adjust the heat: Add more chili garlic sauce or dried chilies if you love it spicy, or reduce for a milder version.
• Use thighs for juicier meat: Chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful even when stir-fried quickly.
• Prep everything first: Stir-frying happens fast, so have all ingredients ready before heating the pan.
• Double the sauce: If you love it saucy, double the sauce ingredients. It also keeps well for leftovers.

This Szechuan Chicken with Broccoli isn’t just a weeknight winner; it’s a dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and spicy, garlicky sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Serve it up tonight, and enjoy a restaurant-style meal without leaving your home!

If you want, I can also make a version with a quick 15-minute prep for ultra-busy weeknights that keeps all the spice and flavor intact. Do you want me to do that?