Spicy Chicken(La Zi Ji)

Spicy Chicken, or Laziji, is a classic dish from China's Sichuan province. This dish is renowned for its crispy yet tender chicken, combined with the fiery heat of dried chilies and the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. Each bite delivers an explosive burst of flavor, making it a must-try for those who love spicy food.

4 Reviews
7 Comments
POSTED:28/06/2024
Level:Medium
Yield:2-3 servings
Total:45 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:10 min

When making Spicy Chicken (Laziji), pay attention to the following tips to create a more delicious dish that brings this classic Sichuan cuisine to restaurant-quality levels right in your home.


1.Ingredients Selection

Chicken: Choose fresh chicken, using either thigh or breast meat, thigh meat will be more tender.

Dried Chilies: Authentic Chinese dried chilies, such as "Chao Tian Jiao," can be found in Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, local dried chilies can be substituted, but be mindful of the difference in heat levels.

Sichuan Peppercorns: This key ingredient can be found in Asian grocery stores or the international section of larger supermarkets. If not available, consider purchasing online.


2.Marinating Tips

Thorough Marination: Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate it overnight.

Even Cutting: Ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform size for consistent cooking and better texture.


3.Frying Tips

Oil Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature at around 300°F when frying the chicken. Too high a temperature can cause the exterior to burn while the inside remains undercooked; too low and the chicken will absorb too much oil.

Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the chicken in batches. This ensures even cooking and optimal texture.


4.Stir-Frying Tips

Aromatic Spices: When stir-frying the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies, use medium-low heat to bring out their aroma without burning them.

Garlic and Green Onions: Stir-fry garlic and green onions first to enhance the base flavor of the dish.


5.Seasoning Tips

Seasoning balance: The ratio of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and other seasonings should be moderate. Adjust the amounts as needed to enhance the flavor.

Gradual seasoning: Add seasonings gradually during the cooking process, tasting as you go to ensure the final flavor is just right.


6.Adding Extra Ingredients

Toasted Peanuts and White Sesame Seeds: For added texture and flavor, include toasted peanuts and white sesame seeds.

Optional Vegetables: Enhance the dish with chunks of green peppers or onions for extra color and flavor.


7.Adapting to Local Tastes

Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.

Balancing with Sweetness and Acidity: Adding more sugar and vinegar can help balance the spiciness and make the dish more palatable.


By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Spicy Chicken dish that captures the essence of Sichuan cuisine. Enjoy this unique culinary experience right at home and savor the rich flavors and cultural heritage of this iconic dish.

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • Chicken: Half a chicken (about 1 pound), cut into pieces

ACCESSORIES

  • Garlic: 1.75 ounces, chopped into small pieces
  • Spring onions: 1 ounce, cut into small segments
  • Dried chili peppers: 1 ounce, cut into small pieces
  • Sichuan peppercorns: to taste

SEASONINGS

  • Cook wine: 1 tablespoon
  • Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Sichuan peppercorn powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Five-spice powder: a pinch
  • Additional salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Additional light soy sauce: to taste

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut half a chicken (about 1 pound) into pieces and place them in a bowl.

Instructions for preparing chicken: Cut 1 pound chicken into pieces.

STEP 2

Marinate the Chicken:

Add 1 tablespoon of cook wine, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorn powder, and a pinch of five-spice powder to the chicken.

Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes.

Marinate chicken with wine, soy sauce, salt, peppercorn powder, and five-spice powder for 20 minutes.

STEP 3

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop 1.75 ounces of garlic into small pieces.

Cut 1 ounce of green onions into small segments.

Cut 1 ounce of dried chili peppers into small pieces.

Prepare garlic, green onions, and chili peppers in specified measurements.

STEP 4

Fry the Chicken:

Heat oil in a pan to about 300°F.

Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown.

Remove and drain the excess oil.

Fry marinated chicken in 300°F oil until golden brown; drain excess oil.

STEP 5

Stir-fry the Aromatics:

In the same pan, leave a small amount of oil.

Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

Add the chopped spring onions and continue to stir-fry until fragrant.

Add the dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, stir-frying over medium-low heat until the color deepens but not burnt.

Instructions for stir-frying aromatics with garlic, spring onions, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns.

STEP 6

Combine and Cook:

Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan.

Stir-fry evenly to combine.

Season with 1/2 teaspoon of additional salt and some light soy sauce to taste, stirring quickly to coat the chicken evenly.

Tip:

If desired, you can add toasted peanuts and white sesame seeds.

Combine fried chicken with salt, soy sauce, peanuts, sesame seeds for flavorful stir-fry dish.

STEP 7

Finish and Serve:

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from the pan.

Tip:

Serve on a plate, garnishing with additional white sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Finish cooking, plate, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: Spicy Chicken(La Zi Ji)
  • Main Ingredients:4
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:1.1 kg
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 1060 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):1153 kcal
    53%
  • Protein:197.9 g
    362%
  • Fat:26.09 g Why gray?
    54%
  • Carbohydrates:21.23 g
    9%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 73%
    839 kcal
  • Fat: 20%
    235 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 7%
    81 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
8:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

4 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
SavorySnackVibesOctober 04, 2024

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
reply:
October 07, 2024
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
FlavorFablesFanaticSeptember 21, 2024

I love the addition of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds!
reply:
September 24, 2024
They add great texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other toppings as well.
SavorySnackSizzleSeptember 08, 2024

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh meat?
reply:
September 10, 2024
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thigh meat tends to be more tender and flavorful.
SpiceSizzleStudioAugust 28, 2024

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
reply:
August 30, 2024
Yes, you can add vegetables like green peppers or onions for extra flavor and color.
DavidJuly 23, 2024

Not only is this spicy chicken hot and spicy, but it's also tantalizingly colorful, making it a favorite among food lovers who like to challenge their tastes.
jieJune 30, 2024

Challenge to make spicy chicken for my Chinese girlfriend 🔥 Successful!
anniJune 30, 2024

Can't get enough of spicy chicken, spicy and dry, the more you chew, the more flavorful, thanks for sharing the recipe!
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