Sichuan Spicy Fried Chicken

Spicy Sichuan Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the spicy sauce:

• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp. Sichuan peppercorns

• 2 dried red chili peppers, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp. ginger, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp. black vinegar

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 1 tbsp. chili paste

• 1 tsp. sesame oil

For serving:

• Sliced green onions, for garnish

• Cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.

2. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are well coated.

3. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven filled with vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

4. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

5. While the chicken is frying, make the spicy sauce. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

6. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.

8. Add the soy sauce, black vinegar, honey, chili paste, and sesame oil to the pan and stir until well combined. Cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

9. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.

10. Toss the fried chicken in the spicy sauce until it is well coated.

11. Serve the Spicy Sichuan Fried Chicken hot on a bed of white rice, garnished with sliced green onions.