Sichuan Braised Chicken A Fiery and Fragrant Stew
Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes, a vibrant and soul-warming stew that hails from the heart of Sichuan. Forget everything you think you know about a simple chicken stew; this dish is a flavor explosion in a bowl. In about an hour, you can transform a few humble ingredients into a spectacular one-pot meal that’s rich, savory, and buzzing with that signature Sichuan tingle. The process involves first searing the chicken to lock in its juices, then braising it with a symphony of spices and hearty vegetables until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Despite its complex and authentic taste, you’ll be amazed at how straightforward this recipe is to master. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something deeply satisfying with a little kick. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible aromas! To get started, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you can’t find an exact item—I’ve included some easy-to-find alternatives. For the Stew: Chicken: 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) of fresh, young chicken. A whole chicken cut into 2-inch pieces is traditional. Alternatively, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks work beautifully and are very forgiving. Potatoes: 250g (about ½ lb), peeled and cut into large chunks. Any starchy potato like Russet or Yukon Gold is perfect. Carrots: 250g (about ½ lb), peeled and cut into large chunks. Green Beans: 200g (about 7 oz), trimmed. Red Bell Pepper: 100g (1 medium pepper), deseeded and cut into chunks. Green Bell Pepper: 100g (1 medium pepper), deseeded and cut into chunks. For the Aromatics & Seasoning: Scallions: 50g (about 3-4 scallions), white parts only, cut into 1-inch lengths. Garlic: 50g (about 1 whole head), cloves peeled and lightly smashed….