Kung Pao Chicken Spicy
Classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and dried red chilies in a savory-sweet sauce with authentic numbing Sichuan peppercorns. A perfect balance of heat, texture, and flavor.
Ingredients
- •500 g Chicken breast
- •100 g Peanuts
- •4 pcs Dried chilies
- •1 teaspoon Salt
- •1 medium Bell pepper
- •0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- •1 medium Zucchini
- •2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- •3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- •3 cloves Garlic
- •1 medium Onion
- •2 tablespoons Vinegar
- •240 ml Chicken broth
- •1 tablespoon Sugar
- •2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- •1 inch Ginger
- •1 teaspoon Sesame oil
Instructions
- 1
Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
💡 Chef's note: Let protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Cutting too soon results in dry, tough meat.
- 2
Heat wok over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tbsp peanut oil and swirl to coat.
💡 Toast Sichuan peppercorns in dry pan until fragrant for authentic numbing heat.
- 3
Add dried red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
💡 High heat is essential - wok cooking happens in seconds.
- 4
Add chicken pieces and stir-fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on edges.
💡 Add peanuts at the end to maintain their crunch.
- 5
Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of scallions. Toss for 30 seconds.
💡 Balance theè¾£ (spicy) with a touch of sugar if needed.
- 6
Pour in sauce mixture (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil). Toss to coat evenly.
💡 Serve immediately - this dish loses its textural appeal when sitting.
- 7
Add roasted peanuts and green onion tops. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
💡 The peanuts should retain their crunch - overcooking makes them soggy.