Dry-fried chicken (gan bian ji) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
China Region / Locale: Sichuan Servings: 4
China Region / Locale: Sichuan Servings: 4Dry-fried chicken, or Gan Bian Ji, hails from the Sichuan province of China, a region renowned for its spicy and bold flavors. This dish embodies the hallmark of Sichuan cuisine with its rich, hot, and aromatic profile, achieved without a heavy sauce coating the chicken. Instead, the chicken is cooked until crispy and dry, highlighting the natural flavors and incorporating Sichuan peppercorns for a distinctive, tingling sensation. The dish is a celebration of texture, spice, and the delicate art of dry-frying that Sichuan chefs have mastered for generations.
Ingredients
- Chicken thigh fillets – 500 g / 1 lb
- Oil for frying – 3 tbsp / 45 ml
- Dried red chilies – 10-15 pieces
- Sichuan peppercorns – 1 tsp / 2 g
- Garlic cloves, minced – 4 cloves
- Fresh ginger, minced – 1 inch / 2.5 cm piece
- Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
- Shaoxing wine – 1 tbsp / 15 ml
- Sugar – 1 tsp / 4 g
- Scallions, chopped – 2 stalks
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp / 5 ml
Instructions
- Cut chicken thigh fillets into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add chicken to the wok and stir-fry until browned and crispy.
- Add garlic and ginger, continue to stir-fry until aromatic.
- Pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar; toss to coat the chicken.
- Sprinkle scallions over the chicken and drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
Substitutions
- Chicken thigh fillets -> Chicken breast
- Shaoxing wine -> Dry sherry
- Sichuan peppercorns -> Black peppercorns
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add a marinating step for the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a dash of cornstarch for extra tenderness.
- Include toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
- Incorporate sliced bamboo shoots for authentic Chinese flavor.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
