Chongqing spicy chicken is a super popular and mouthwatering dish in Chongqing cuisine. It perfectly represents the bold and spicy character of local food.
The chicken used in this dish is usually cut into small, bite – sized pieces. This makes it easier for the chicken to absorb the flavors during cooking and also more convenient for eating. First, the chicken pieces are marinated with seasonings like salt, cooking wine, and ginger slices to remove any unpleasant odors and add basic flavor.
Then comes the crucial cooking process. The marinated chicken is deep – fried in hot oil until it turns golden brown and becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. The high – temperature frying locks in the moisture of the chicken, resulting in a wonderful texture.
But the real highlight is the spicy sauce. A large amount of dried red chili peppers are stir – fried in oil until they release their intense spiciness. Chinese prickly ash is added as well, bringing that characteristic numbing sensation. Sugar and other seasonings are also included to balance the flavors. The fried chicken pieces are then added to this spicy sauce and stir – fried thoroughly. During this process, the chicken fully absorbs the spicy and savory flavors of the sauce.
When the dish is served, you’ll see a plate full of small chicken pieces hidden among a sea of red chili peppers. The red color of the peppers makes the dish look extremely appealing. When you take a bite of the chicken, the first thing you feel is the crispy exterior, followed by the tender and juicy chicken inside. The intense spiciness and the numbing feeling from the Chinese prickly ash spread quickly in your mouth, creating an exciting and unforgettable taste experience. It’s a dish that will surely satisfy your taste buds if you’re a fan of spicy food.
