Easy and Delicious Kung Pao Chicken Recipe for Spicy Stir-Fry

There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of a spicy Kung Pao Chicken dish sizzling in a hot wok, promising a fusion of bold flavors and textures. This classic Chinese dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a mouthwatering, slightly sweet and spicy sauce. With this easy recipe, you can recreate the magic of Kung Pao Chicken right in your own kitchen, perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a special weekend treat.

Ingredients:

– 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
– 4 spring onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce will form the flavor base for your Kung Pao Chicken.

3. Heat the Wok: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-6 minutes.

5. Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced onions, red and green bell peppers, and peanuts. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Incorporate the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the wok. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

7. Finish & Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and coated the chicken and vegetables beautifully, turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced spring onions for a fresh, crunchy finish.

8. Serve & Enjoy: Serve your Kung Pao Chicken hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or noodles. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors will surely tantalize your taste buds.

This easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant world of Chinese cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen. The bold flavors and contrasting textures make it a crowd-pleaser and a perfect dish for a cozy night in. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously easy spicy stir-fry that will leave you craving more.