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+ servings

Kung Pao Chicken

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch divided
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 6-8 dried red chilies or to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts unsalted
  • 3 green onions sliced

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
  • Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Stir and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan. Add dried chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly darkened.
  • Add garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Return chicken to the pan and toss to combine. Add the sauce and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in peanuts and half the green onions. Transfer to serving plate and garnish with remaining green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

Storage tip: Keeps in fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth. For milder heat, remove seeds from dried chilies or reduce quantity. For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 38gFat: 24gSodium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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