Kung Pao Chicken Recipe | Authentic Chinese Stir-Fry with Peanuts and Vegetables

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe | Authentic Chinese Stir-Fry with Peanuts and Vegetables

One popular Chinese recipe is Kung Pao Chicken. This dish is a flavorful combination of tender chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, all stir-fried in a delicious, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a staple in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Sichuan cuisine, and is loved for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized cubes
• ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to tenderize the chicken and enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together the ingredients for the sauce: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Peanuts

1. In the same pan, add dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the chilies.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
3. Add the roasted peanuts to the pan and stir everything together.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, followed by the sauce mixture.
2. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add the cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water) and cook for another minute.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra peanuts and chopped green onions if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice or fried rice makes a perfect side for this dish.
• You can add more vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy this Kung Pao Chicken—a satisfying, spicy, and slightly sweet stir-fry with bold flavors and a perfect crunch from the peanuts! 🍗🌶