Homemade Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe that is not only easy to make, but it’s also quick and cooks in less than 30 minutes. This Chinese takeaway recipe of fried seasoned chicken breast pieces stir-fried in chillies, pepper and onions is flavorful, protein-rich and delicious. Let me show you how to make salt and pepper chicken with this step by step guide plus video.
500g (1lb)Chickenboneless skinless breasts or thighs.
1.5 + ¼teaspoonsChinese five-spice1.5 teaspoon to season chicken + ¼ teaspoon to stir fry.
⅛teaspoonBlack pepper
3tablespoonsCornflour
1mediumRed bell pepper
1smallOnion
2clovesGarlicmince
2Chilli or to suit how hot you want it.
2sprigSpring onions
OilVegetable or sunflower oil.
Saltto taste
Instructions
To make salt and pepper chicken:Cut chicken into 1-2" bite-size then add salt, 1.5 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice, black pepper, and cornflour. Mix to combine and set aside.If you have the time, marinate the chicken for 30-60 minutes.
Cut the onions, bell pepper, spring onions and chillies. Set aside.
Heat oil in a pan then when heated, add the marinated chicken. Fry till brown while turning the sides to make sure all parts are fried.
When the chicken is fried and browned, remove from oil on to kitchen towel/ paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Place a wok on heat and add 1.5 tablespoons of oil. Add in the onion, garlic, bell pepper, spring onions and ¼ teaspoon Chinese 5 spice. Saute for 2 minutes before adding in the fried chicken.
Stir fry for a minute coating the chicken with the peppers and onion then take off heat.
Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Use good quality and fresh ingredients.
If you have the time, marinate the chicken 30-60 minutes prior to cooking.
Cut chicken in bite-size and uniform size so it cooks evenly.
You can use a deep fryer to fry the chicken or deep fry in a pan.
To make it healthier, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying.
If not sure if the chicken is cooked through, take one of the pieces and cut into two to see the inside or use a meat thermometer to check the inner temperature. If it's at least 165F/75C then it is safe to eat.
Adjust black pepper and chilli to suit how spicy you want it. If you want it hotter, add more chillies.