
Mouth-Watering Chicken (Kou Shui Ji) is a classic Sichuan cold appetizer that lives up to its name—just looking at it makes your mouth water! Tender poached chicken is bathed in a vibrant, aromatic sauce featuring chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and sesame. The contrast of cool chicken with the warm, numbing-spicy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
The key to tender chicken is gentle poaching—maintain a bare simmer, not a rolling boil. The ice bath step is essential for achieving that perfect texture. For the most authentic flavor, use homemade chili oil infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves.