Kung Pao Chicken

A classic Chinese stir-fry dish with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and peanuts in a bold, spicy, and slightly tangy sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Chinese chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan dish, spicy stir-fry
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • For the Marinade:
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • For the Stir-Fry:
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 8 small dried red chilies
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 can 8 oz. sliced bamboo shoots, drained
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, mix oyster sauce and cornstarch.
  • Add chicken pieces, coat well, and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • Stir-Fry Chicken:
  • Heat a wok over high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl to coat.
  • Add chilies and stir-fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Remove chicken and chilies from wok.
  • Stir-Fry Vegetables:
  • Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to wok. Stir in garlic and cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add celery, bell pepper, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Finish Cooking:
  • Return chicken and chilies to wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  • Pour in sauce and bring to a boil.
  • Add cornstarch solution and stir until sauce thickens.
  • Toss in peanuts, stir to coat, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer dried red chilies.
  • Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

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