Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken: Spice Up Your Life with this Sizzling Stir-Fry Sensation!

Craving a dish that’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Kung Pao Chicken recipe. This Chinese classic combines tender chunks of chicken with crunchy peanuts, crisp vegetables, and fiery chili peppers, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce that packs a serious punch.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your senses straight to the bustling streets of Sichuan. As the aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns hits the hot wok, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible fragrance that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner time.

Originating from the Sichuan province of China, Kung Pao Chicken has become a beloved staple in Chinese restaurants worldwide. This homemade version allows you to control the heat level while savoring the authentic flavors of this iconic dish. Pair it with a side of steamed rice and a crisp lager for the ultimate weeknight indulgence that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup unsalted peanuts

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon ginger minced

2 green onions sliced

2 dried red chili peppers

1 red bell pepper diced

1 zucchini diced

1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns crushed (optional)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for 15-30 minutes.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peanuts and stir-fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Add garlic, ginger, green onions, dried chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using) to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.

6. Return the chicken to the wok along with the reserved marinade. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Stir in the toasted peanuts and cook for an additional minute.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

9. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. After marinating the chicken, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.

3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

4. Meanwhile, stir-fry the vegetables and prepare the sauce in a wok or skillet as per the stovetop instructions.

5. Once the chicken is done, add it to the wok with the vegetables and sauce, and finish the dish as described in steps 6-9 above.

Notes:

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the dried chili peppers or substitute with red pepper flakes to taste.
• Add an assortment of bell peppers for a more colorful and flavorful dish.
• To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite meat alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 1 cup)

Calories: 420

Fat: 22g

Protein: 35g

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 12g

Sodium: 980mg

Other Information

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Equipment used: Wok or large skillet, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons

Estimated cost per serving: $3.50

Total cost: $14.00

In Conclusion, Kung Pao Chicken

This Kung Pao Chicken recipe offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for those looking to explore Chinese cuisine at home. With its combination of protein, vegetables, and bold spices, it’s not only tasty but also a nutritious option for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress and become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Check out these recipes for your favorite ethnic dishes from around the world here!