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Quick & Easy Kung Pao Chicken

Quick & Easy Kung Pao Chicken
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Quick & Easy Kung Pao Chicken is a vibrant stir-fry that brings the tantalizing flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken thighs tossed with crunchy red bell peppers, green onions, and roasted peanuts, all coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. The addition of Sichuan chilies adds a hint of spice, making every bite a delightful experience. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only satisfies cravings but also elevates your dinner game, ensuring you won’t miss takeout again. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that’s both comforting and invigorating!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper (large diced)
  • 5 green onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 10 whole dried Sichuan red chilies
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for later)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian stir-fry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining it with soy sauce, baking soda, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the sauce by mixing remaining soy sauce with sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetarian stir-fry sauce until dissolved.
  3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from pan.
  4. In the same pan, stir-fry dried chilies, green onions, and peanuts for about 15 seconds; then add diced red bell pepper and cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over everything. Stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until well-coated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorywithsophie.com/quick-easy-kung-pao-chicken/