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Homemade Kung Pao Chicken (Family Favorite!) recipe photo

Kung Pao Chicken (Family Favorite!)

A quick, flavorful stir-fry of tender chicken, vegetables, peanuts, and a savory-sweet sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound chicken (tenders or boneless skinless breasts) cut into bite-sized pieces
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • red dried chiles to taste
  • 3 scallions sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup salted roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Small Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Add the diced onion and diced red bell pepper and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4–6 minutes.
  3. While the vegetables cook, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger until smooth.
  6. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables along with the red dried chiles; stir to combine and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the sliced scallions and the salted roasted peanuts, toss to coat, then remove from heat.
  8. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken over white rice.

Notes

  • Red dried chiles add heat but can be hard to find.
  • To increase spice without chiles, add cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Start cayenne with 1/8 teaspoon, then taste and adjust.