3 Easy Steps To Make Kung Pao Chicken At Home

Kung Pao chicken, a beloved Chinese dish, is renowned for its tantalizing flavors and vibrant colors. While traditionally considered a culinary feat, we’re here to unveil the secrets of how to make kung pao chicken easy. With our simplified recipe and step-by-step guide, you’ll be whipping up this delectable dish in no time.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup peanuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, honey, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the marinated chicken. Stir-fry until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the Vegetables:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Add the Peanuts (Optional):
If desired, add the peanuts to the skillet and stir to combine.

7. Serve:
Transfer the kung pao chicken to a serving dish and garnish with additional peanuts or sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken or vegetables. They should retain a slight crunch.
• If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or white wine as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Serve kung pao chicken immediately for the best experience.

Variations

• Spicy Kung Pao Chicken: Add more chili oil or chopped chili peppers to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Kung Pao Chicken: Substitute tofu for the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.
• Cashew Kung Pao Chicken: Replace the peanuts with cashews for a sweet and crunchy variation.

FAQs

Q: Can I make kung pao chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, kung pao chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. However, it’s best to prepare the sauce and cook the chicken separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with kung pao chicken?
A: Steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are all excellent accompaniments to kung pao chicken.

Q: How can I store kung pao chicken?
A: Store kung pao chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

With our easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you can now master the art of kung pao chicken in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and versatile dish that will surely become a favorite.