Marinade
- 2 tsp. Shaoxing wine, dry sherry, sake, or mirin
- 2 tsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1" pieces
Stir-Fry
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1½ tsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8–10 red dried chiles (such as chiles de árbol, bird chiles, or frankly any kind; or ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes)
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 Fresno chile, cut into ¼" rings
- 1 1" piece fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp. Sichuan peppercorns or cracked black peppercorns
- ⅓ cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- Kosher salt
Preparation
Marinade
Step 1
Stir wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat. Let sit at least 10 minutes or up to 30.
Stir-Fry
Step 2
Stir vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl; set sauce aside.
Step 3
Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add chicken (along with any marinade clinging to it) and cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned all over but not cooked through, 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4
Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium-high. Add bell pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add dried chiles, scallions, Fresno chile, ginger, garlic, and peppercorns. Cook, tossing constantly, until very aromatic and dried chiles are lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add chicken and reserved sauce and cook, tossing, until liquid is nearly evaporated and coats chicken, about 1 minute longer. Toss in peanuts. Taste and season lightly with salt if needed.
Step 5
Divide chicken stir-fry among plates and serve immediately.
