Bonbon Chicken Recipe

I love how this Bonbon Chicken packs bold flavors with barely any effort. It's a classic Sichuan-style dish with shredded poached chicken tossed in a rich, nutty sesame sauce that hits every note—spicy, savory, and just a little sweet. The sauce clings to the tender chicken so perfectly, you'd think it came from your favorite takeout spot. I like to serve it cold or at room temperature, especially during warmer days. It makes a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch. Whether you're a fan of Sichuan flavors or just love simple recipes with big payoff, this one’s a keeper.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 2

Course: Appetizer / Main Course

Cuisine: Sichuan, Chinese

Calories: 513

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 slices fresh ginger
1 scallion cut into sections
Water enough to cover the chicken

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon black vinegar Chinkiang vinegar
1.5 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chili oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder
1 tablespoon sesame paste or tahini
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
Salt to taste

For Serving:

1 cucumber thinly sliced
Chopped scallions for garnish
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk or fork
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Serving plate

Method

Poach the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with enough water to cover them. Add the ginger slices and scallion sections. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooled, use your hands or two forks to shred the chicken into thin strips. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, chili oil, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorn powder, sesame paste, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.

Assemble the Dish

Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving plate to form a base. Place the shredded chicken on top of the cucumbers. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken evenly. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro if using.

Notes

For an authentic flavor, sourcing traditional Sichuan ingredients like black vinegar and Sichuan peppercorns is recommended. These ingredients contribute to the unique taste profile that characterizes Bon Bon Chicken.