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I’m sharing with you my easy and delicious Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe! The total time to make it is under 30 minutes and you end up with a restaurant-worthy Chinese stir-fry meal!
Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
Salt and Pepper Chicken Chinese Stir Fry is one of my favourite meals! The flavours are so bold and it is incredibly easy to make. It only takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then another 15 minutes to cook. It is great on its own, or you could serve it up with some rice. It is naturally gluten-free, a great source of protein, and healthier than other versions!
Ingredients to make Salt and Pepper Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – are the best part of the chicken to use for this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper – are just some of the seasonings used to make this chicken shine.
- Cornstarch – gives the chicken a nice coating and is naturally gluten-free.
- Chinese Five-Spice – is a delicious combination of spices and really elevates this recipe.
- Onion – brings a great flavour to this dish.
- Garlic Cloves – are my go-to umami ingredient.
- Red Chilli – brings a bit of heat to this dish.
- Spring Onion – gives more colour and flavour.
- Chinese Cabbage – is optional, but I love the crunch and flavour it brings.
- Olive Oil – is used to fry up the chicken and vegetables.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts – are a leaner option, but you can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Cornstarch – swap for plain flour if you don’t have cornstarch to hand.
- Olive Oil – You could use any neutral oil. Some good examples are Peanut, Canola, or Vegetable Oil.
- Seasonings – I like to keep it simple with the five-spice, salt, and pepper, but you could try adding garlic powder, white pepper, ginger, soy sauce, etc.
- Vegetables – If you have other good stir fry vegetables lying around, feel free to add them in!
Variations
- Spicy – Keep the seeds in the chilli for a spicer dish. You can also add in jalapenos.
- Deluxe – Top with some crunchy onions to step this dish up a notch.
- Kid friendly – Tone down the heat by leaving the seeds out of the chilli or leaving it out altogether.
How to make Salt and Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Firstly, chop your veggies; chop the onion and garlic, and slice the spring onion, chili, and Chinese cabbage.
Step 2: Then, cut your chicken into bite-size pieces. Season the chicken pieces to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine cornstarch with five Chinese spices in a bowl. Add chicken and coat it well with the cornflour mixture.
Step 4: Heat half the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown, for 7-8 minutes. Set the fried chicken pieces aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Heat the remaining oil in a separate skillet. Add the onion and spring onion and cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, chili and Chinese cabbage and cook until tender.
Step 6: Add the garlic, chili and Chinese cabbage and cook until tender.
Step 7: Place the chicken back into the skillet and toss well to combine with veggies.
Hint: If you want a milder taste, remove the seeds from the chili.
Leftovers
Store leftover Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
Recipe FAQs
If you’d like to make your Salt and Pepper Chicken a bit saucier, I’d recommend a sweet chili sauce. You could also try a spicy mayo sauce or tangy dipping sauce.
It would be great with a side of rice or an Asian salad. It also stands great on its own!
Absolutely! You follow the directions the same, but cook the chicken in the air fryer instead of the frying pan. It’ll take around 15 minutes at 200 degrees C, which a shake and oil spritz in the middle. I’d recommend frying up the vegetables on the stovetop.
More Chicken recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken and Leek Pie
- Chicken Pasta Bake
- Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
- Chicken and Mushroom Pie
- Chicken Satay Salad
- Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
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Rate it…
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Salt and Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 450 g chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, chopped (remove seeds for less heat if desired)
- 1 spring onion, sliced
- 250 g Chinese cabbage, (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
This was quick, easy and tasted just like a takeaway but much healthier. Thanks James
Thanks Susie 🙂