Kung Pao Chicken Recipe 🍗
Overview
Kung Pao Chicken is a beloved dish, a perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your home kitchen! Serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Quick Stats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 tbsp | Soy sauce |
| 1 1/2 tbsp | Cornstarch (divided) |
| 2 tbsp | Sugar |
| 2 tbsp | Sherry wine |
| 4 tbsp | Chicken stock |
| 1 tbsp | Sesame oil |
| 2 tbsp | Pepper sauce (adjust to taste) |
| 1 lb | Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| 2 | Egg whites |
| 4 | Scallions, thinly sliced |
| 1 inch piece | Fresh ginger, minced |
| 1 cup | Roasted unsalted peanuts |
| 1 tbsp | Vegetable oil (for cooking) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch, sugar, sherry wine, chicken stock, sesame oil, and pepper sauce. Set this delicious sauce aside for later.
-
-
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg whites, sherry, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the chicken.
- Gently toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken (with its marinade) to the hot oil.
- Stir-fry the chicken for about 3 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside. Let it rest while we work on the next steps.
-
Stir-Fry with Flavors
- In the same wok, add the sliced scallions and minced ginger.
- Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. 🌿
- Now, pour in the sauce that you prepared earlier.
- Let the sauce simmer for a minute, allowing it to thicken slightly.
-
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok, coating it evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Toss in the roasted peanuts, giving the dish a delightful crunch.
- Stir-fry everything together for about a minute until the sauce coats the chicken beautifully, and the peanuts are nicely incorporated.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Your Kung Pao Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
- Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal experience.
- Garnish with extra sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and flavor. 🌟
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1153.2
- Fat: 73.6g
- Saturated Fat: 10.6g
- Cholesterol: 151.9mg
- Sodium: 2443.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 47.4g
- Fiber: 8.1g
- Sugar: 19.7g
- Protein: 76.2g
Recipe Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of pepper sauce to suit your spice preference. 🌶️
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Crunchy Goodness: The roasted peanuts not only add flavor but also a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Marinating Magic: Don’t skip the marinating step—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. 🍚
Now, you have the recipe for a delicious homemade Kung Pao Chicken that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to savor the incredible flavors of this Chinese classic right in your own kitchen! 🥢
