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–+ servings
Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy Kung Pao Chicken: Quick, Easy, and Full of Flavor

This Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful stir-fry delight, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Consider low-sodium options for a lighter dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
For the Aromatics
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Grated or minced.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (red, green, or yellow) Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chilies Adjust the amount for desired spice level.
For the Crunch
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted roasted peanuts Feel free to substitute with cashews or macadamia nuts.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil Any high smoke point oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Drizzled at the end for flavor.

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Measuring spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Gather and prep your ingredients, chopping bell peppers and mincing garlic and ginger. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat cooking oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-high, add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Pour over chicken and vegetables, stirring for 1 minute until everything is coated.
  5. Add peanuts, tossing gently for 30 seconds to warm through. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Opt for chicken thighs for juicier results. Marinating boosts flavor. For less spice, reduce chilies.

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