Prepare to embark on a taste explosion that will transport your senses straight to the bustling streets of China! Kung Pow Chicken isn't just a meal - it's a thrilling culinary journey that promises to ignite your palate with its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crunchy goodness. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food adventurer, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a sizzling Chinese restaurant experience that will leave your family and friends begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili paste. Whisk the ingredients together to create a smooth marinade.
- Add the diced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface.
- Once the oil is very hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir-fry quickly, keeping the chicken moving to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center.
- Add the roasted peanuts to the wok and continue stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the nuts and integrate them with the chicken.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish in the final minute of cooking for added freshness and color.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Kung Pow Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately with steamed white rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy the spicy, savory flavors of this classic Chinese stir-fry.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation is Key: Always use fresh, high-quality chicken breast and ensure it's cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Dry Chicken = Crispy Chicken: Pat your chicken pieces completely dry before cooking to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Heat Management: Use a wok or heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it's scorching hot before adding oil to create that authentic stir-fry sear.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process - letting the chicken sit in the sauce for 10-15 minutes allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Keep It Moving: Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures each piece of chicken is evenly cooked and coated with delicious sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly minced garlic and chopped green onions for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Feel free to increase or decrease the chili paste depending on your heat tolerance.
- Serve Immediately: Kung Pow Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the wok!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
