Szechuan Chili Chicken Burger

The Szechuan Chili Chicken Burger is a fiery fusion of bold flavors inspired by the famed Sichuan cuisine, known for its piquant and savory taste profiles. Taking the classic comfort of a chicken burger and elevating it with the numbing, spicy sensations of a Szechuan chili sauce, this dish offers a memorable twist that'll excite any adventurous palate.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 20

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion / Other

Servings burgers

Calories 539 kcal

Ingredients

Burger Pulled Chicken and Sauce

600 g chicken thighs boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons vegetable oil preferably peanut or sesame
3 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns whole
6 tablespoons chili bean paste such as Doubanjiang
4 cloves garlic minced
1 thumb-sized piece ginger grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce light
2 tablespoons rice vinegar unseasoned
1 tablespoon sugar

Burger Assembly

4 pieces burger buns preferably brioche
1 cup cabbage thinly sliced
4 slices cheddar cheese sharp
1 cup cucumber thinly sliced

Instructions

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and toast the Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and crush them finely.
Add chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), about 8 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sauté until aromatic. Stir in chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and crushed peppercorns, cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Shred the rested chicken and mix thoroughly with the prepared Szechuan sauce.
Lightly toast burger buns in the skillet until golden. Assemble each burger starting with cabbage, saucy chicken, cheddar slices, and cucumber.

Notes

To enhance the caramelization of onions if added, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar while cooking. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with grilled tofu slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 32gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 997mgPotassium: 627mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 417IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 192mgIron: 3mg

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