Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts & Chili Sauce
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts & Chili Sauce
Quick Overview
Kung Pao Chicken is a famous Chinese dish known for its bold, balanced flavors. It combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a rich chili-soy sauce that delivers a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Main:
- Chicken breast (diced)
- Roasted peanuts
- Dried red chilies
- Green onions
Flavor base:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
Optional:
- Sichuan peppercorns (for authentic flavor)
- Steamed rice
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken into small cubes for quick cooking.
For extra tenderness:
- Marinate with soy sauce and a little cornstarch
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes
This helps lock in moisture and improves texture.
Cooking the Dish
- Heat oil in a wok or pan
- Add dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns
- Cook chicken until lightly browned
- Add garlic and ginger
- Toss in green onions and peanuts
Keep everything moving on high heat for best results.
Making the Sauce
Simple mix:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Splash of water or stock
Pour into the pan and cook until it thickens slightly.
Final Step
Mix everything well:
- Let the sauce coat the chicken evenly
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes
Final Result
This dish delivers:
- 🌶️ Spicy kick
- 🥜 Crunchy texture
- 🍗 Juicy chicken
- 🧂 Deep savory flavor
