Savory Kung Pao Chicken Delight
Indulge in this flavorful Savory Kung Pao Chicken Delight, a quintessential dish that brings the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. Tender chunks of chicken breast are beautifully coated with a crispy cornstarch crust, then stir-fried to perfection with vibrant green onions, aromatic garlic, and the fiery zing of crushed red pepper flakes. The dish is elevated further by the tangy kick of rice wine vinegar, savory soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. Finished off with crunchy dry roasted peanuts, this quick and straightforward recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, offering a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
light sesame oil or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons
green onions
3 tablespoons (chopped with tops)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon (can use fresh grated if preferred)
rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
sugar
2 teaspoons
dry roasted peanuts
1/3 cup
cooked rice
4 cups (hot)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch and toss well to ensure even coating.
2
Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Add the coated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add chopped green onions, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and powdered ginger. Stir-fry quickly for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet.
6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
7
Add the dry roasted peanuts and stir to combine, allowing the mixture to heat through thoroughly while stirring occasionally.
8
Serve the savory Kung Pao Chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice to enjoy this irresistible dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Kung Pao Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and stir-fried with aromatics, peanuts, and a savory-sweet sauce.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
The chicken is tossed in cornstarch before frying to ensure even coating and to create a crispy outer crust.
What type of oil should I use for stir-frying?
You can use either light sesame oil or vegetable oil for this dish.
How much oil is needed for the skillet?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of oil heated over medium heat until shimmering.
How long do I cook the chicken?
Stir-fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
What aromatics are used in the Kung Pao chicken?
The aromatics include chopped green onions, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and powdered ginger.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of powdered ginger?
Yes, the recipe specifies that fresh grated ginger can be used if preferred over powdered ginger.
How long should I stir-fry the garlic and onions?
Quickly stir-fry the garlic, green onions, pepper flakes, and ginger for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
What are the ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
How much rice wine vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for this recipe.
Is there any sugar in the Kung Pao sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 2 teaspoons of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should I add?
You can add between 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
When do I add the peanuts to the dish?
Add the peanuts at the very end after the chicken has been coated in the sauce, and stir to heat them through.
What kind of peanuts are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of dry roasted peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Kung Pao Chicken recipe serves 4 people.
What should I serve with Savory Kung Pao Chicken?
It is best served over a bed of 4 cups of hot cooked rice.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and straightforward recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The first step is to combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch in a small bowl and toss well.
Should I cook the chicken in a single layer?
Yes, spread the chicken out in a single layer in the skillet to ensure even browning.
What do I do with the chicken after it is browned?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the aromatics and sauce.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How many green onions do I need?
You need 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions, including the tops.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
This dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a tangy kick.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under 'Chicken Breast'.
What kind of pan is recommended for cooking?
A large non-stick skillet or a wok is ideal for this stir-fry recipe.
How do I know the sauce is ready?
Whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined before pouring it into the skillet.
What should I do after returning the chicken to the skillet?
Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce before adding the peanuts.
Are the red pepper flakes essential?
While they provide the signature fiery zing, they can be adjusted 'to taste' to suit your spice tolerance.