Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1128 · Chongqing Chili Chicken

Chongqing Chili Chicken, and where to source it

Chongqing Chili Chicken — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chongqing Chili Chicken Chinese 5best2buy.com

Double-fry the chicken so the outside stays crunchy even after it meets the chilies and aromatics in the wok.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy · sesame
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Boneless chicken thigh, cubed
1 lb
450 g
Local / market
Dried red chilies, whole
2 cups
40 g
Local / market
Sichuan peppercorns
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
Garlic, sliced
6 cloves
6 cloves
Local / market
Ginger, sliced
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Soy sauce
1 tbsp
15 ml
Cornstarch
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
Sugar
1 tsp
5 ml
Local / market
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Oil for deep frying
3 cups
720 ml
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Marinate the chicken with wine, soy, and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes, then toss in cornstarch to coat.PT15M
  2. Deep-fry the chicken until pale gold, rest it a minute, then fry again until deep golden and crunchy. Drain.PT6M
  3. Pour off most of the oil, then fry the dried chilies, Sichuan pepper, garlic, and ginger over high heat until the chilies darken and smell toasty.PT3M
  4. Return the chicken, add the sugar, toss to coat, and finish with sesame seeds.PT2M
The Toolkit

Wok · Spider strainer · Cleaver

Straight Answers
Can you make Chongqing Chili Chicken in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chongqing Chili Chicken? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chongqing Chili Chicken ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chongqing Chili Chicken gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Chongqing Chili Chicken vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1128