If you're looking for a spicy and flavorful chicken dish, then Kung Pao Chicken is definitely worth trying. This popular Chinese dish is made using diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. One cup of this dish contains around 220 calories, making it a relatively healthy option for those who want to watch their calorie intake.

Aside from its delicious taste, Kung Pao Chicken also offers some nutritional benefits. For instance, the chicken provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables offer fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. The peanuts also provide a good amount of healthy fats and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for the heart and overall health.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Kung Pao Chicken, including its ingredients, cooking methods, nutritional information, health benefits, and more.

What is Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It is made by stir-frying diced chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers, green onions, and zucchini, and combining it with a spicy sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. The dish is then topped with roasted peanuts for added flavor and texture. One of the key features of Kung Pao Chicken is its spicy flavor, which comes from the use of dried red chili peppers in the sauce. The dish is also known for its distinct numbing sensation, which is caused by the use of Sichuan peppercorns.

The Ingredients of Kung Pao Chicken

To make Kung Pao Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, diced into small pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 3-4 dried red chili peppers
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 inches ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

How is Kung Pao Chicken Cooked?

To cook Kung Pao Chicken, follow these simple steps:

1. Mix the corn starch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl to make the sauce.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers, and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Add the vegetables and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and continue to stir-fry until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add the roasted peanuts and green onions to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice.

What Makes Kung Pao Chicken Spicy?

The spiciness of Kung Pao Chicken comes from the use of dried red chili peppers in the sauce. These peppers are responsible for the dish's distinct heat and numbing sensation. If you prefer a milder version of the dish, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds and stems before adding them to the dish.

Nutritional Information of Kung Pao Chicken

One cup (198 g) of Kung Pao Chicken contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 610 mg

Health Benefits of Eating Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken offers several health benefits, thanks to its nutritious ingredients. For example:

• Chicken provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body.
• Vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help to support a healthy digestive system, immune system, and overall health.
• Peanuts provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients, which can help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and support the heart and brain.

What are the Best Side Dishes to Serve with Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Steamed rice
• Vegetable stir-fry
• Egg rolls
• Hot and sour soup
• Cucumber salad
• Green beans with garlic

Tasty Variations of Kung Pao Chicken

Here are some delicious variations of Kung Pao Chicken:

• Shrimp Kung Pao: substitute shrimp for the chicken.
• Tofu Kung Pao: substitute tofu for the chicken.
• Beef Kung Pao: substitute beef for the chicken.
• Pork Kung Pao: substitute pork for the chicken.
• Vegetarian Kung Pao: use a variety of vegetables instead of the chicken, and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Where Can You Find the Best Kung Pao Chicken?

The best Kung Pao Chicken can be found in Chinese restaurants across the world. However, if you'd like to try making it at home, you can easily find a variety of recipes online or in cookbooks.

Tips for Making Kung Pao Chicken Like a Pro.

Here are some tips to help you make Kung Pao Chicken like a pro:

• Cut the ingredients into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
• Use a wok or large skillet to stir-fry the ingredients, as they will cook quickly and evenly.
• Make sure to stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers for a few seconds before adding the chicken, as this will help to release their flavors.
• Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry. Aim to cook it for 2-3 minutes until it's lightly browned on all sides.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the dish's overall sodium content.