The Fascinating History of Sichuan Spicy Chicken (辣子鸡) – A Star Among Popular Chinese Dishes

With a rich backstory rooted in imperial China, Sichuan Spicy Chicken has grown from a battlefield remedy to one of the most popular Chinese dishes enjoyed around the world.

A Not-So-Ordinary Spicy Chicken from Sichuan to California 

The origins of 辣子鸡(Sichuan Spicy Chicken) go back centuries. Interestingly, before 1749, there were no chili peppers in Sichuan! So how did this fiery dish come to be? Let’s dive into the story.

During the Qing Dynasty, in 1748, Emperor Qianlong sent Yue Zhongqi, a descendant of the famous general Yue Fei, to suppress a rebellion in Jinchuan (modern-day Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture). This region was rugged, freezing, and damp, making it tough for soldiers to stay in fighting shape. Historical dramas like Story of Yanxi Palace even depict this military campaign.

When Qing troops arrived in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, many soldiers suffered from fatigue, muscle aches, and low spirits—hardly the condition for winning battles. Despite his reputation as an invincible commander, Yue Zhongqi found himself struggling in battle, growing increasingly frustrated.

Then came his breakthrough. Yue Zhongqi, being highly knowledgeable, discovered that the humid Sichuan climate was the real culprit. The damp air was seeping into the soldiers' bodies, weakening them. He knew from experience that eating chili peppers could help dispel excess moisture and revitalize energy. Determined to turn things around, he ordered chilies from Hunan to be delivered to the troops.

This historical moment set the stage for one of today’s popular Chinese dishes—Sichuan Spicy Chicken.

Read More: Sichuan Wontons in Red Oil: Origins & Evolution

From the Battlefield to the Family Table

Of course, eating raw chilies wasn’t exactly appealing! That’s when a military chef named Fan Huaizhong came up with a solution—he used the chicken, a staple ingredient for the army, and stir-fried it with chilies. To everyone's surprise, the combination was incredibly delicious! The soldiers loved it, and soon, this spicy chicken dish became a morale-boosting favorite.

At the time, chilies were known as “ground chilies” (地辣子), which is how the dish got its name:  Sichuan Spicy Chicken 辣子鸡 (Spicy Chicken). The soldiers’ strength and spirit were restored, and soon after, in 1749, they achieved victory in Jinchuan. That same year, county records in Sichuan first documented the existence of chili peppers, marking the beginning of Sichuan’s love affair with spicy food.

After the war, the victorious army returned to Beijing, but Chef Fan Huaizhong stayed behind, traveling through Sichuan to gather local recipes. His famous “Ba Shu Folk Cuisine Book” included  Sichuan Spicy Chicken 辣子鸡, helping spread the dish across China. Over generations, his descendants refined the recipe—replacing fresh chilies with dried red chilies and adding Sichuan peppercorns, giving the dish its signature numbing-spicy kick.

Today, Sichuan Spicy Chicken 辣子鸡 has become a beloved Sichuan classic among the most popular Chinese dishes, found in restaurants and home kitchens alike. Yet, many people remain unaware of its fascinating origins.

It’s no wonder that dishes like this continue to be celebrated as popular Chinese dishes across generations and cultures.

How We Perfected One of the Most Popular Chicken Chinese Dishes: Sichuan Spicy Chicken 辣子鸡

At United Dumplings, we love the bold, tingling spice that defines Sichuan Spicy Chicken—one of the most popular Chinese dishes—but let’s be honest, not everyone wants an all-out spice explosion that leaves you sweating, gasping for water, or running to the bathroom!

So, we made a few thoughtful adjustments to Lazi Ji to create something just as flavorful but more balanced—truly one of the most popular Chinese dishes we’ve ever served:

✅ Mild, Enjoyable Heat – We kept the essence of Sichuan spice without overwhelming your taste buds. You’ll feel the warm tingle of Sichuan peppercorns, but it won’t numb your entire mouth!

✅ Savory, Not Just Spicy – Instead of relying on sheer heat, we focus on umami depth, blending soy sauce, a hint of sweetness, and fragrant aromatics to make the dish irresistibly rich.

✅ Gentle on the Stomach – Traditional Sichuan Spicy Chicken 辣子鸡 can sometimes be too aggressive for digestion, so we’ve carefully adjusted the spice levels to bring out the best flavors without the after-effects.

The result? A dish that’s bold yet balanced, fiery yet comforting—just how we love our spicy food. Whether you’re a spice lover or just someone who enjoys a little heat, our Sichuan Chicken with Red Pepper is made to excite your taste buds without regrets! It has earned its place among the popular Chinese dishes that bridge tradition and modern taste.

Now available for dine-in and to-go—because great food should be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. And for gatherings big or small, our Sichuan Spicy Chicken is also available in our catering trays. Try it today and taste the perfect balance of Sichuan spice, made with love! ❤️

When it comes to popular Chinese dishes, this one delivers every time—comfort, heat, and history in every bite.

Read More: The History of Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao 小笼包) – A Shanghai Delicacy

Sichuan Spicy Chicken: A Favorite in Traditional Chinese Chicken Dishes

Don't just take our word for it—our customers are raving about our Sichuan Chicken with Red Pepper, one of the most popular Chinese dishes on our menu! Here’s what they have to say:

🗣️ "I have to order the Sichuan Spicy Chicken every time—it's just that good! The amount of Sichuan chilies is just right. Spicy, but not overpowering."
— 每次来我都必须点辣子鸡，实在太好吃了！四川辣椒的比例刚刚好，够辣但不会过头。

🗣️ "If you love Sichuan cuisine, I highly recommend ordering the Spicy Chicken. It’s my favorite spicy dish! There’s a mountain of Sichuan chilies on top, but it’s not as intense as it looks or sounds—and the flavor is just amazing."
— 如果你是四川菜爱好者，强烈推荐辣子鸡！这是我最爱的辣味菜品。看起来铺满了辣椒，但其实辣度恰到好处，味道更是绝佳。

🗣️ "Every dish here is spot-on. My favorite has to be the Sichuan Spicy Chicken—the chicken is crispy, the chilies are flavorful, and the spice level is just right."
— 这里的菜道道都很地道，但我最喜欢的还是辣子鸡。鸡肉外酥里嫩，辣椒香气浓郁，整体辣度刚刚好，非常过瘾！

🔥 Ready to try it for yourself? Order our Sichuan Chicken with Red Pepper—one of the most popular Chinese dishes at United Dumplings—for dine-in, to-go, or catering and experience the perfect balance of bold spice and incredible flavor! ❤️