Kung Pow Chicken: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Kung Pow Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish known for its intense flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying kick of spice. This recipe breaks down the process step-by-step, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality Kung Pow Chicken experience in your own kitchen. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities based on your needs.
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- For the Kung Pow Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- For the Stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1/2 cup onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Let's Get Cooking!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!). This helps tenderize the chicken and locks in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chilies. This creates a smooth and flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onions and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the water chestnuts (if using) during the last minute of cooking. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and slightly browned.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the vegetables to the wok. Pour the Kung Pow sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly (about 1-2 minutes). Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for Kung Pow Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili peppers you use.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
