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panda express kung pao chicken recipe

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (marinade)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (marinade)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (marinade)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (sauce)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (sauce)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 to 10 dried red chilies
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • 1 zucchini, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • ⅓ cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Method
 

  1. Toss the cubed chicken with the cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil (marinade amounts). Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water (sauce amounts) until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil, then sear the chicken in a single layer for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
  4. Push the chicken aside, add the dried chilies, and toast for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the bell pepper and zucchini and stir-fry over high heat for 3 minutes until slightly softened with light color on the edges.
  6. Stir the sauce, pour it in, and toss everything over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick. Remove from heat, stir in the peanuts and green onions, garnish with extra green onion, and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is best made and eaten right away, but it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you're prepping ahead, marinate the chicken and mix the sauce the night before, then store them separately in the fridge so the cook itself only takes about 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so a quick stir before using is all it needs.