Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 6 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cinnamon stick
  • One 3-inch strip of orange zest
  • One 4-inch piece of peeled fresh ginger1 inch cut into fine matchsticks, the rest thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
  • Four 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 3 ounces mung bean noodles (see Note)
  • 2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced

Method

  • In a mortar, crush the Sichuan peppercorns until fine but not powdery.
  • Add the salt and lightly crush to combine, leaving it coarse in texture.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the stock with the star anise, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, orange zest and the sliced ginger.
  • Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over moderately low heat until fragrant and flavorful, about 20 minutes.
  • Strain the broth into a clean pot and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the mushrooms, cover and cook over low heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Keep the broth hot.
  • In a large saucepan of water, poach the chicken at a very low simmer at low heat just until it is white throughout, about 18 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, pat dry and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Slice the chicken crosswise on the diagonal 1/2 inch thick.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, soak the noodles in hot water until pliable, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain and transfer the noodles to the hot broth.
  • Let stand until heated through, about 1 minute.
  • Ladle the noodles, mushrooms and broth into shallow bowls.
  • Top with the sliced chicken breasts, scallions and ginger matchsticks.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with the Sichuan pepper-salt and serve.