Combine chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce,1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
Combine all the kung pao sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
Start to stir fry by heating 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok. Add the dried chilies. Stir fry for 5 seconds.
Add the marinated chicken. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, white part of the green onion, and ginger. Continue to stir fry for 20 seconds before adding the bell pepper, zucchini, and peanuts, and remaining green onions. Stir fry for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour the sauce into the wok. Stir fry until the chicken is coated evenly. Note: you can add around 1 to 3 tablespoons of water (as needed) while stir frying to prevent the sauce from clumping.
Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with rice.
Share and enjoy!
Notes
Here's a fun and interesting fact about spicy food:
Eating spicy foods can actually trigger the release of endorphins in your brain, which are natural feel-good chemicals! That's why some people feel a "spicy high" or a sense of euphoria when they indulge in spicy dishes like kung pao chicken. So, not only is spicy food delicious, but it can also give you a natural mood boost.
To keep your eyes from getting teary while stir-frying chilies, opening a window or turning on a fan can help clear the spicy air. If all else fails, hold your breath or cover your nose and mouth with a cloth while working with those fiery chilies. Stay cool and cook on. Best of luck, my friend!
Ingredients for Kung Pao Chicken
Once you try this authentic and easy kung pao chicken recipe, trust me, you'll never order takeout again! Grab your apron and get ready to conquer the kitchen with these ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you!
Chicken ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless diced chicken thigh — We dice the chicken to make sure it cooks quickly and evenly. This way, the chicken can soak up all the delicious sauce and blend perfectly with the peanuts and veggies.
1 tablespoon soy sauce — Adds that umami kick to the chicken marinade.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine — Adds depth of flavor to the dish. If you don't have Shaoxing rice wine on hand, you can use dry sherry or mirin as substitutes. Another option is dry white wine or rice vinegar, which are easier to find in regular grocery stores and offer a similar depth of flavor for your dish.
2 teaspoons cornstarch — Coats the chicken for a crispy texture.
A pinch of salt — Enhances the overall seasoning.
Stir-fry ingredients
8 pieces dried chilies — After all, there's no kung pao chicken without the chilies.
1 tablespoon minced ginger — Adds zing and warmth to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced — Because everything tastes better with garlic!
5 stalks green onions, chopped — For that fresh onion flavor.
1 diced zucchini — Adds a nice crunch to the dish.
1 red bell pepper, diced — Adds color and sweetness.
1/2 cup roasted peanuts — Crunchy and flavorful; don't skip these!
Kung pao sauce ingredients
2 tablespoons soy sauce — Adds savory depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce — For color and richness.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar — Adds tanginess.
1 tablespoon honey — Balances out the spice with sweetness.
2 tablespoons Shaoxing cooking wine — Enhances the overall flavor profile. If Shaoxing cooking wine is not available for your Kung Pao sauce, you can use dry sherry or even a splash of white wine as substitutes.
1 teaspoon cornstarch — Thickens the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken stock — Provides a savory base for the sauce.
