Name: Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cubed; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup peanuts; 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

Description

A lighter, healthier twist on the classic Kung Pao Chicken, ready in just 25 minutes. This stir-fry features tender chicken breasts coated in cornstarch, cooked with fresh bell peppers, crunchy peanuts, and a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner packed with bold Chinese-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sesame oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
2 green onions, sliced

Others

1/4 cup peanuts
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a light crust and thicken the sauce later.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté briefly for 30 seconds to 1 minute, releasing their fragrant flavors without burning.
Add sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful sauce.
Cook vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp.
Finish with peanuts and green onions: Toss in the peanuts and sliced green onions, stirring to combine everything thoroughly and warm through.
Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or alongside your favorite grains.

Notes

Add chili flakes or dried red chilies during sautéing for a spicy kick.
Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, fiber-rich accompaniment.
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for more juiciness.
Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
For a gluten free version, ensure hoisin sauce is gluten free or substitute with tamari.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese