KUNG PAO CHICKEN

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Not all stir-fries use high heat; this Szechuan-inspired recipe calls for more of a steam-sauté in a covered pan to keep the chicken breast meat from becoming stringy as you cook this 45-minute chicken and peanuts entrée. It has a kick from charred dried chiles, the tingle of Sichuan peppercorns, and a light coating of a subtle sweet-sour sauce.

Provided by Greg Lofts

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup unsalted raw peanuts
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, preferably peanut
5 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 teaspoons Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing) or sherry vinegar
2 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves (1 1/4 pounds total), cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar or sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns, coarsely crushed in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle
15 small dried chiles (about 1/4 cup), such as Szechuan or árbol, broken in half, stems and seeds removed
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 3 cloves)
2 celery stalks, sliced on the bias into 1/4-inch-thick pieces (2/3 cup)
4 scallions, sliced into scant 1/2-inch-thick pieces (2/3 cup)
Cooked white rice, such as jasmine, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet or wok over medium. Add peanuts and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown in places, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine. Stir in chicken; let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine black vinegar, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small bowl, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in skillet over medium-high. Add peppercorns and chiles; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and chiles are blistering in places, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in chicken mixture, spreading in an even layer to edges of skillet. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook, undisturbed, until chicken is beginning to turn golden on bottoms but is not cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir in vinegar-soy mixture and celery. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until chicken is just cooked through and liquid thickens enough to become glossy and evenly coat, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in toasted peanuts and scallions, and serve with rice.

Muslima Begum
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I love that this recipe uses a variety of vegetables. It makes the dish more colorful and nutritious.


Phillip Bellinger
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This Kung Pao chicken is the perfect weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.


Gopal Acharya
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I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try, and this Kung Pao chicken definitely fits the bill. It's unique and flavorful, and it's sure to impress your guests.


Millicent Dzisah
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This Kung Pao chicken is a great way to show off your cooking skills. It's a dish that's sure to impress your guests.


Troy Walsh
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I love how this Kung Pao chicken is made with all fresh ingredients. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.


Dagf Dsfgs
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This Kung Pao chicken is the perfect comfort food. It's warm, savory, and satisfying. It's the perfect dish to curl up with on a cold night.


Onyeiwu Blessing
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I'm always looking for new recipes to add to my repertoire, and this Kung Pao chicken is definitely a keeper. It's easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Hailey Rodriguez
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I made this Kung Pao chicken in my slow cooker and it turned out perfectly. The chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce was thick and flavorful.


37 Ghazi
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This Kung Pao chicken is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Eirik Alexander
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I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but this Kung Pao chicken was just right. The sauce had a nice kick to it, but it wasn't overpowering.


Nsimbi Herbert
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The sauce in this Kung Pao chicken is amazing! It's sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. It's the perfect complement to the chicken.


Morgan Phillips
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I love that this recipe uses a variety of vegetables. It makes the dish more colorful and nutritious.


Aryaankhan143 Khan
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This Kung Pao chicken is the perfect weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.


Kadin Woodard
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I made this Kung Pao chicken for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! The chicken was tender and the sauce was delicious.


Runa Aktar
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I'm always looking for new and exciting recipes to try, and this Kung Pao chicken definitely fits the bill. It's unique and flavorful, and it's sure to impress your guests.


MinorLag3
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This was my first time making Kung Pao chicken, and it turned out great! I was worried it would be too spicy, but it was just right. The chicken was crispy and the vegetables were cooked perfectly.


Tanha ch
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I love how this recipe uses simple ingredients to create such a delicious dish. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the sauce was perfectly balanced.


NEPALI BARBERS
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I've tried many Kung Pao chicken recipes, but this one is by far the best. It's easy to follow and the results are fantastic.


Ellie Meehan
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This Kung Pao chicken was a hit with my family! The sauce was flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


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