Sichuan pepper chicken facts for kids

Sichuan pepper chicken (simplified Chinese: 川椒鸡; traditional Chinese: 川椒雞; pinyin: Chuānjiāo jī; literally "Sichuan pepper chicken"), also known as chin jiew chicken, is a super tasty fried chicken dish. It comes from a special type of Chinese cooking called Teochew cuisine. This dish is famous for its unique flavors. It uses a special spice called Sichuan peppercorns and a sauce called fish sauce.

All About Sichuan Pepper Chicken

Sichuan pepper chicken is a popular meal from the Teochew region of China. It is known for being deep-fried until it's crispy and golden. The dish has a special taste that comes from its unique ingredients.

What Makes It Special?

This chicken dish gets its name from Sichuan peppercorns. These aren't like regular black pepper. They create a tingly, numbing feeling in your mouth. This feeling is called ma la in Chinese. It's a very famous flavor in many Chinese dishes.

Another important ingredient is fish sauce. This sauce adds a salty and savory taste. It helps to make the chicken even more delicious.

The dish also uses a special leafy green vegetable. It is called pearl vegetable (珍珠菜, Lysimachia clethroides). Outside of China, cooks often use other leafy greens. These can include basil, mint, or spinach. They help to give the dish a fresh and green flavor.

Where Does It Come From?

Sichuan pepper chicken is a part of Teochew cuisine. Teochew cooking comes from the Chaoshan region in eastern Guangdong province, China. This type of cooking is known for its fresh ingredients. It often uses seafood and light seasonings. Teochew dishes usually focus on the natural taste of the food.