Description
This Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a flavorful sauce with a kick of heat from dried red chilies. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 6–8 dried red chilies
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of sesame oil. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the dried chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and green onions. Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Stir in the peanuts and sesame oil, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- Adjust the number of dried chilies to control the spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu and omit the oyster sauce or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
