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Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a sweet and spicy Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy peanuts in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced Tender and protein-rich
  • 1 piece bell pepper, chopped Add color and crunch
  • 1 piece zucchini, sliced For added texture
  • 1 cup peanuts Crunchy topping
  • 3 sticks green onions, chopped For garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic flavor
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced Adds warmth and spice
Sauce ingredients
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Base of the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil For cooking
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adds acidity
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste For heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning as desired

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. Incorporate the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add in the chopped bell pepper and zucchini; stir-fry until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste until well combined.
  6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, adding the peanuts. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
  7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Notes

For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in soy sauce for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This enhances taste and tenderness. You may adjust the chili paste for spiciness.