Sichuan-Inspired Chicken & Green Beans
Golden chicken thighs and blistered green beans meet a glossy, tangy sauce with gentle chile heat and the signature tingle of Sichuan pepper.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $9
- Calories per serving: 650 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Boneless skinless chicken thighs12 ounces $6.49
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Organic green beans12 ounces $3.99
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Jasmine white rice3/4 cup dry (about 5 ounces) $4.31
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Organic garlic2 cloves $6.99
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Fresh ginger2 teaspoons finely minced
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Neutral cooking oil2 tablespoons
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Fine sea salt1 1/2 teaspoons, divided
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Soy sauce1 tablespoon
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Unseasoned rice vinegar1 tablespoon
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Sugar1 teaspoon
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Cornstarch1 teaspoon
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Sichuan peppercorns1/2 teaspoon
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Red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when itβs done.
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Cut 12 ounces chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and season evenly with 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
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Trim 12 ounces green beans and cut into 2-inch lengths. Peel and mince 2 garlic cloves, and peel and finely mince enough fresh ginger to measure 2 teaspoons. Keep the garlic and ginger separate from the beans.
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Rinse 3/4 cup jasmine rice. Place in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Prepare the stir-fry while the rice cooks.
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Finely crush 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, discarding any hard black seeds. Whisk together the sauce in a small bowl:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- The crushed Sichuan peppercorns
Whisk in 2 tablespoons water and set aside.
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Heat a large, lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil, the prepared green beans, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons water, cover, and cook for 5β7 minutes, until the beans are tender with a slight bite. Uncover and cook for 1β2 minutes to evaporate the water and lightly blister the beans. Transfer to a plate.
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Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil to the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Turn and stir-fry for another 4β5 minutes, until browned and nearly cooked through.
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Reduce the heat to medium. Add the prepared garlic and ginger along with 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; stir for 30 seconds. Return the beans to the skillet. Stir the sauce again, pour it in, and toss for 1β3 minutes until glossy and the chicken reaches 175Β°F. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with 1 tablespoon water.
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Fluff the rice and divide between two shallow bowls. Spoon the chicken, green beans, and glossy sauce alongside and serve immediately.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the chile heat and tangy sauce.