If you’re a fan of spicy food, Lazi Chicken (辣子鸡) is a dish that will truly tantalize your taste buds. This iconic Chinese dish is famous for its bold flavors, crispy chicken, and a generous amount of dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Whether you enjoy the Sichuan version or the Shandong-style interpretation, Lazi Chicken is a must-try for any spicy food lover.
The Origins of Lazi Chicken
Lazi Chicken is believed to have originated in China, with different regions claiming their own unique versions. The Sichuan version is known for its intense spiciness and numbing sensation, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies. In Shandong, particularly in the cities of Zaozhuang and Tengzhou, Lazi Chicken is made with fresh local ingredients and often features a slightly less spicy but equally flavorful profile.
What Makes Lazi Chicken Special?
Lazi Chicken is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is then stir-fried with a large amount of dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a dish that is both spicy and numbing. The result is a dish that is rich in flavor, with a beautiful red color and an irresistible aroma.
How to Make Authentic Lazi Chicken
Ready to bring the flavors of Lazi Chicken to your kitchen? Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
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Chicken: 1 whole chicken or chicken legs, cut into small pieces
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Seasonings: Dried red chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, minced ginger, garlic, and green onions
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Marinade: Salt, soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch
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Other: Vegetable oil for frying, white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Cook the Spices: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and add Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant and the oil turns red.
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Combine Everything: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the spices. Stir-fry quickly to coat the chicken evenly with the spicy oil.
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Season and Garnish: Add a pinch of salt, minced ginger, garlic, and green onions. Stir-fry for another minute. Garnish with white sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Perfect Lazi Chicken
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chilies and peppercorns will enhance the flavor.
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Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilies and peppercorns according to your spice tolerance.
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Double Frying: For extra crispy chicken, you can fry the chicken twice—once to cook through and once to crisp up.
Why You’ll Love Lazi Chicken
Lazi Chicken is a dish that combines the best of Chinese cuisine—spicy, numbing, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you prefer the intense spiciness of the Sichuan version or the slightly milder Shandong-style, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of heat and want to experience the true essence of Chinese cooking.
