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Kung Pao Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to the Heart of Chinese Cuisine

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A vibrant, flavor-packed Chinese classic that balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes in a nutritious, colorful stir-fry.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
  • 4–6 dried red chilies
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • Optional: Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. While chicken marinates, dice the bell peppers, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add remaining tablespoon oil to the skillet. Stir-fry dried red chilies and peanuts for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  6. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds.
  7. Add bell peppers and stir-fry 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in sauce, and stir well to coat.
  9. Add green onions, toss everything together, and heat through.
  10. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding your pan to ensure a good sear. For a numbing heat, add Sichuan peppercorns. Keep stirring the peanuts and chilies to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kung Pao Chicken, spicy stir-fry, Chinese chicken, hoisin, peanuts, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://www.eatbrightly.com/kung-pao-chicken-recipe/