Question 1

What if I can’t find Sichuan peppercorns?

Accepted Answer

You can use freshly ground black pepper plus a pinch of crushed red pepper as a stand-in. The flavor won’t have the same citrusy, numbing quality, but the dish will still be delicious and nicely spiced.

Question 2

Can I make this without wine or alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Replace the sherry or Shaoxing wine in the marinade with additional broth plus a small splash of rice vinegar. You’ll lose a bit of depth but still end up with a very flavorful dish.

Question 3

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Accepted Answer

Avoid overcooking by using high heat and moving the chicken frequently so it cooks just until done. Thigh meat is more forgiving than breast meat, so it’s a good choice if you’re worried about dryness.

cooking oil

Hunan Chicken

Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs