Stir-fried Chicken Breast with Tengjiao and Green Peppers
Chinese · 30 Minutes · Serves 2-3
Stir-fried Chicken Breast with Green Peppercorns and Bell Peppers
This dish draws inspiration from the common Sichuan numbing chicken flavor and green pepper stir-fried chicken, utilizing the fragrant numbing sensation of green peppercorns to complement the tender texture of chicken breast. Since seasoned frozen cooked chicken breast is used, the cooking method avoids heavy sauces. Instead, it incorporates traditional Chinese stir-fry elements like bell peppers, garlic slices, and scallion segments, retaining the peppery aroma while reducing oil and spiciness, making it more suitable for the everyday tastes of Hong Kong families.
Quick Answer
First, thaw and heat the Sichuan green peppercorn cooked chicken breast according to package instructions until thoroughly heated through. Then slice it and stir-fry quickly with bell peppers, scallions, garlic, and a small amount of green peppercorn spices to create a quick stir-fry suitable for Hong Kong families to enjoy with rice. If the product packaging indicates heating to a specific temperature, follow those instructions.
Ingredients
- Sichuan Green Peppercorn Cooked Chicken Breast 300g (thawed and heated according to package instructions)
- Bell Peppers 2 (approx. 150g, sliced)
- Onion ½ (approx. 100g, shredded)
- Garlic 3 cloves (sliced)
- Ginger 10g (shredded)
- Scallions 2 stalks (cut into segments)
- Green Peppercorns or Sichuan Green Peppercorns 1 tsp
- Light Soy Sauce 1 tsp
- Shaoxing Wine 1 tsp (optional)
- Cooking Oil 1 tbsp
- White Pepper Powder a pinch
Instructions
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1. Prepare the chicken breast
Thaw and heat the chicken breast according to the package instructions, ensuring it is thoroughly heated through. Let it cool slightly, then slice it into approximately 1 cm thick pieces. Avoid prolonged cooking of cooked chicken breast to prevent it from becoming dry.
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2. Prepare the accompanying ingredients
Slice the bell peppers, shred the onion, and slice the ginger and garlic. For the bell peppers, to retain some crispiness and reduce their pungent flavor, you can soak them in water for 5 minutes beforehand.
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3. Sauté for peppercorn fragrance
Heat a wok over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add cooking oil, then add green peppercorns, shredded ginger, and sliced garlic. Stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not scorched.
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4. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion
Increase heat to medium-high. Add bell peppers and onion and stir-fry quickly for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bell peppers are bright in color and slightly charred at the edges, while still maintaining their crispness.
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5. Add chicken breast and season
Add the sliced chicken breast and stir-fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Season with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper powder, ensuring the green peppercorn fragrance evenly coats the chicken.
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6. Finish and serve
Add the scallion segments and quickly toss for about 20 seconds before turning off the heat. Ensure the chicken is still warm before serving immediately. It is best enjoyed with white rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do frozen chicken breasts need to be thawed first?
Always prioritize the product packaging instructions. Different frozen foods are designed differently; some are suitable for heating after thawing, while others can be heated directly. Do not assume the handling method yourself.
How to stir-fry chicken breast without it becoming dry and tough?
Cooked chicken breast should not be stir-fried for too long. The key is to heat it thoroughly first, then stir-fry quickly over medium heat for a short time to absorb the flavors of the accompanying ingredients. Cutting the slices not too thin can also help prevent moisture loss.
What is the difference between green peppercorns (藤椒) and Sichuan peppercorns (花椒)?
Green peppercorns typically have a fresher citrus aroma and numbing sensation, with a brighter fragrance; traditional Sichuan peppercorns have a richer, heavier flavor. This dish utilizes the inherent aroma of green peppercorn chicken breast, so only a small amount is needed to enhance the peppery fragrance.