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    Home » Recipe Review » SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    Feb 10, 2021 · 30 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    Sichuan Mala Mouth Water Chicken 四川麻辣口水雞 is a classic dish with tons of aromatics. Making this vibrant Sichuan dish is easy at home, just like in Chinese restaurants, only better!
    This addictive spicy poached chicken is addictive, juicy, and sweet with a deeply savoury taste!

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞
    Jump to:
    • Difference Between Chinese Spicy Chicken Recipes
    • Chongqing Chicken (Làzǐ jī, 辣子雞)
    • Szechuan Mala Chicken (Kǒushuǐ jī, 口水雞)
    • Kung Pao Chicken (Gōngbǎo jī dīng, 宮保雞丁)
    • Mala Szechuan Chicken Ingredients
    • Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce Ingredients
    • Which Cut of Chicken Should You Use?
    • How To Prepare The Mala Chicken Recipe
    • How To Make Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce
    • Assembly The Addictive Sichuan Mala Chicken
    • SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    Difference Between Chinese Spicy Chicken Recipes

    There are many variations in spicy-savoury and spicy-sweet flavours when it comes to the spicy chicken. Some are known for their "dry heat" characteristics, while others are famous for their tongue-numbing ability mala flavor. The heat level and "numb feeling" depend on how much Sichuan peppercorns are used. 

    What is the difference between Szechuan Mala Chicken and Chongqing Chicken? 

    The English translated name of spicy chicken in Chinese cuisine has been translated loosely. The names are used interchangeably and sometimes confusing. 

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    Geographically speaking, Sichuan province is about 4 hour drive North West of Chongqing in Central China.  

    Chongqing Chicken (Làzǐ jī, 辣子雞)

    The dish La-Zi-Ji is usually made with chicken on the bone and chopped into small chicken pieces. The marinated savoury chicken cubes are then cooked in a dry wok, deep-fried, and tossed in a copious amount of dried red chilli peppers (èr jīngtiáo, 二荊條) and Sichuan peppercorns. This Chongqing mala chicken crispy chicken dish is stir-fried and dry. It resembles a giant plate of chili peppers with small pieces of chicken! If you were in the kitchen, you would probably smell the wisps of smoke start to fill the air! 

    Szechuan Mala Chicken (Kǒushuǐ jī, 口水雞)

    The lovely description of the dish saying Kou Shui Ji literally translates to "Saliva chicken." This mouthwatering Sichuan Mala chicken is traditionally poached or steamed cooked. The spicy mala chicken is marinated, and then the chicken is cooled in an ice bath. The cold water tightens the chicken skin and locks in the juicy, tender texture of the chicken protein. Fragrant Mala Peppercorn Oil is then poured over the surface of the chicken for an aromatic finish.

    Kung Pao Chicken (Gōngbǎo jī dīng, 宮保雞丁)

    Kung Pao Chicken is another spicy flavour chicken stir fry in Sichuan cuisine. This spicy chicken recipe is filled with saucy sweet and savory chicken cubes. It also has a nutty profile. 

    Mala Szechuan Chicken Ingredients

    • Whole chicken or boneless chicken thigh with skin on
    • kosher salt
    • Scallion Green Onon
    • Ginger

    Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce Ingredients

    • Steamed fish soy sauce
    • Sea salt
    • Brown sugar
    • Garlic 
    • Red chili oil
    • Fragrant Peppercorn Oil 萬用香料油秘方
    • Chinese black vinegar

    Click HERE for recipe and special instructions to make Sichuan Hua Jiao Oil Recipe.

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    Which Cut of Chicken Should You Use?

    When choosing what chicken to use, some traditional Chinese recipes use whole chickens - chop them up into large chicken pieces once cooked and serve them bone-in and skin-on.

    If you do not want to prepare a whole chicken, you can opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs.

    Also, if you don't mind the extra fat in the chicken skin, you can use boneless thighs with chicken skin.

    I prefer using boneless chicken with skin instead because they are the juiciest to make this traditional authentic Sichuan chicken mala recipe. I like the juicy meat of chicken thighs more.

    Chicken thighs could be more convenient if you are in a hurry or just cooking for a small family. Remove the bones once the chicken is cooked and then slice thinly into pieces.

    Western grocery stores do not always carry boneless chicken thighs with skin on. You can always ask your local Chinese chicken shop owners for a specific cut.

    You can always use chicken wings, too, if you desire. Choose your favourite cut of chicken to make this homemade mala chicken.

    Whole chickens are extraordinary when you want to make extra for leftovers. The flavours are robust and develop better overnight.

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    How To Prepare The Mala Chicken Recipe

    Clean the chicken and remove the inners. Pat dry and rub some salt all over the chicken inside and out. Let air dry for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Some people like to cook the chicken by submerging the chicken in boiling hot water for 20 minutes with green scallions and ginger, like cooking a Hainanese Chicken.

    I prefer to steam in my steam convection oven for 30 minutes. 

    Place some ginger and green onions inside the chicken cavity and on the bottom of the chicken. 

    Remove the chicken from the oven after it is steam cooked. Rest and let the chicken cool completely. Slice the chicken and place it on your serving plate.

    After removing the poached marinated chicken, pour our liquid from the chicken fat and chicken essence into a small bowl or a small mason jar with a lid. Store the chicken essence in the refrigerator for later.

    After being chilled, the chicken fat will separate from the chicken essence. Remove and discard the chicken fat. You can add a tablespoon of chicken essence to your daily cooking to enhance the flavour!

    chicken fat and chicken essence
    homemade Fragrant Peppercorn Oil 萬用香料油秘方

    How To Make Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce

    I love the lingering mala spiciness and the numbing effect from my unique homemade Fragrant Peppercorn Oil 萬用香料油秘方: the fragrant aromatics and red chilli oil pair wonderfully with the chilled, tender, juicy chicken.

    While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce.

    One of the key ingredients in this dish is the homemade Fragrant Peppercorn Oil 萬用香料油秘方. The spice mix ingredients are aromatic in an authentic Sichuan way.

    Add red chilli oil, finely chopped garlic, steamed fish soy sauce, black vinegar and sugar to the Fragrant Peppercorn oil in a small mixing bowl. The deep savory taste is a beautiful combination that enhances the lingering mala spiciness of genuine Sichuan food.

    I like using sweet soy sauce like soy sauce for steamed fish.

    Depending on your preference's spicy, you can also add dried chillies or more red chilli oil. However, I do not suggest making the popular dish too spicy because it will overpower the chicken's delicious natural flavours. You want this Sichuan Mala Mouth Water Chicken to be enjoyable!

    How To Make Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce

    Assembly The Addictive Sichuan Mala Chicken

    Arrange the sliced chicken in a single layer on a serving plate.

    Pour the Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce over the sliced chicken. 

    Refrigerate the spicy dish for at least 20 minutes until you are ready to serve it. The flavours develop better over time.

    Garnish with green onions and cilantro when you are ready to serve and enjoy! 

    口水雞是一道我蠻喜歡的四川傳統名菜!它集麻辣鮮香嫩爽於一身!

    加上永達農場加美雞真的很有「雞」的味道⋯⋯

    萬用香料油秘方!燒菜必須加一茶匙!

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    Did you make this Easy Authentic Sichuan Mala Chicken Recipe? I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS

    Print

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞
    Print Recipe
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    ★★★★★

    5 from 26 reviews

    Sichuan Mala Mouth Water Chicken 四川麻辣口水雞 is a classic dish with tons of aromatics. Making this vibrant Sichuan dish is easy at home, just like in Chinese restaurants, only better! This addictive spicy poached chicken is addictive, juicy, and sweet with a deeply savoury taste!

    • Author: Nancy
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 mins
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 1 chicken 1x
    • Category: main dishes, entree
    • Method: Steam
    • Cuisine: Chinese

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 whole chicken
    • 3 tbsp salt
    • 1 bunch green scallion, julienne
    • 4 slices ginger, julienne

    Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce

    • 2 tbsp steamed fish soy sauce
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 5 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3-4 tablespoon red chili oil
    • 1-2 tablespoon of Fragrant Peppercorn Oil 萬用香料油秘方
    • ½ tbsp Chinese black vinegar

     

    Instructions

    1. Wash and clean the whole chicken.
    2. Pat dry or air dry.
    3. Rub salt all over the chicken.
    4. Stuff the chicken with green scallions and ginger.
    5. Set steam convection oven at 400F and steam the chicken for 30 minutes.
    6. Remove the chicken from the oven after it is steam cooked. Rest and let the chicken cool completely. Slice the chicken and place it on your serving plate.

     

    While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce.

    1. In a sauce bowl, add Fragrant Peppercorn Oil, red chili oil, finely chopped garlic, steamed fish soy sauce, black vinegar and sugar. Mix well.
    2. Pour the Mala Chili Oil Soy Sauce over the sliced chicken as much as you want.
    3. Let the chicken chill and marinate in the refrigerator at least 20 minutes until you are ready to serve it. The flavours develop better over time.
    4. Serve and enjoy!

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    Notes

    1. Depending on how spicy your preference is, you can also add bird’s eye chili or more red chili oil. However, I do not suggest making the Sichuan Mala Mouth Water Chicken too spicy because it will overpower the chicken’s delicious natural flavours.
    2. After the chicken is cooked, opt to remove the neck and head and bottom.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 whoe Chicken
    • Calories: 217
    • Sugar: 4.4 g
    • Sodium: 4076.9 mg
    • Fat: 4.5 g
    • Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
    • Protein: 35.2 g
    • Cholesterol: 112.7 mg

    Keywords: Fragrant Peppercorn Oil, 萬用香料油秘方, Sichuan Recipes, Mala Mouth Water Chicken, 四川麻辣口水雞, 四川麻辣, 口水雞, Chinese, Recipes, Chicken

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @instanomss on Instagram and hashtag it #instanomss

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    SICHUAN MALA MOUTH WATERING CHICKEN 四川麻辣口水雞

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alexandra says

      July 14, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      The chili oil sauce makes this dish - it really is absolutely mouth watering!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Asha says

      May 11, 2022 at 7:49 pm

      Such great flavour and and easy meal to prepare! Would make again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        May 12, 2022 at 9:59 am

        Awesome to hear!

        Reply
    3. Colleen says

      May 10, 2022 at 3:37 pm

      This chicken is indeed mouth-watering! So flavor packed and juicy. Thanks for the recipe and all the great info!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Bernice says

      May 10, 2022 at 3:04 pm

      Thank you for this really great primer on spicy Chinese chicken dishes. I can't wait to explore all these amazing flavours. I have sichuan peppers in my pantry but I am always nervous to use them. I feel like this post will help give me confidence to cook with them.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Chloe says

      May 10, 2022 at 7:37 am

      Oh lush - I've boiled chickens with aromatics before but never steamed a whole one so I'll be giving this method ago. And the sauce sounds magnificent too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Gina Abernathy says

      May 10, 2022 at 6:43 am

      I love to cook whole chickens because there is so much flavor. Amazing dish!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Rosanna Stevens says

      May 10, 2022 at 3:48 am

      Really informative post, and delicious recipe! Thank you so much

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Natalie says

      May 10, 2022 at 1:40 am

      Its spicy, juicy, delicious, and simple to make. Your recipes always amaze me, thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Jane says

      May 09, 2022 at 8:59 pm

      love making sichuan mala at home with lots of garlic, so tasty and I eat lots of rice, lol.... glad I learned to make the sauce from your recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Terri says

      May 09, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      I love spicy chicken so this recipe is perfect for me! And thanks for explaining the differences between different Chinese spicy chickens!.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Mallory says

      May 09, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      So delicious! Great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Lisa says

      May 09, 2022 at 10:17 am

      My mouth IS watering! I love spicy chicken dishes, I'll definitely be trying this one.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Asha says

      May 05, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      Such a wonderful blend of flavours and juicy chicken. And the leftovers for the next day taste even better!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Debra says

      January 08, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      Mouth watering for sure....served it over cauli-rice. YUM.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Sara says

      January 08, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      Love the flavor combinations and the ability to make it hotter or not.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Oscar says

      January 07, 2022 at 12:36 pm

      This chicken recipe looks so good. Going to make it this weekend.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Tyanne says

      January 07, 2022 at 9:23 am

      Chili oil and garlic are my favorite together!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Amy Liu Dong says

      January 07, 2022 at 4:36 am

      This one sounds really delicious, and I am happy that I have a new recipe to make for my family. Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Emily says

      January 06, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      This recipe is fabulous!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Jeannie says

      January 06, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      Mala is one of y fave chinese dish love how you can adjust the spiciness and it's a great combo with rice. Thanks for this

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Alexandra says

      January 06, 2022 at 6:30 pm

      Yum - this chicken is so delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Amanda Scarlati says

      January 06, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      So delicious! My new fav!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Andrea White says

      January 06, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      so simple and delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. amyg says

      June 21, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      I made this tonight and the chicken came out so tender and moist like nothing I have ever had before.. This is the perfect recipe if you are looking for a flavorful, tender chicken. Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        June 22, 2021 at 8:58 am

        Yay!! I'm so happy to hear that it turned out so well! Great job Amy!

        Reply
    25. Vanessa says

      June 16, 2021 at 9:31 pm

      So much flavour in this chicken dish! I have never heard of a steam convection oven before - super cool!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        June 22, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Yes Cuisinart steam convection oven is amazing! they have it at Costco and of course Amazon 🙂

        Reply
    26. Bernice says

      June 16, 2021 at 8:46 am

      oh wow, this chicken sounds amazing! All those flavours and spices make this so appealing. What do you serve it with?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        June 22, 2021 at 8:59 am

        oh you can enjoy it alone! with Rice! Noodles, anything!!

        Reply

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    I'm a finance professional and a Mommy to a toddler girl based Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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