Introduction
Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. This stir-fry features tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a favorite for many because it’s not only delicious but also easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your very own Kung Pao Chicken!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
- 1 cup of zucchini (sliced)
- ½ cup of roasted peanuts
- 3-4 dried red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of ginger (minced)
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set this sauce aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the dried red chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to combine.
- Add the roasted peanuts and toss everything together for another minute, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions
Step 1: Plate the Dish
Serve your Kung Pao Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Step 2: Enjoy!
This flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the combination of textures and tastes in every bite!
Conclusion
Kung Pao Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a savory sauce, it’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is a fantastic choice!