Imagine creating a mouth-watering Chinese classic without hours of complicated prep work! This Dump Bake Kung Pao Chicken is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave bold, spicy flavors but don't have time for complex cooking techniques, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Dump Bake Kung Pao Chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, chopped bell peppers, and peanuts. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the other ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as your flavorful sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring that everything is well coated. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in while the chicken cooks.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Stir the mixture gently to redistribute the ingredients and allow for even browning.
- Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help to caramelize the sauce and give the dish a nice finish.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve your Dump Bake Kung Pao Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional peanuts or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking if time allows.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the ginger and garlic, to enhance the dish's overall taste.
- Choose bell peppers in different colors for a more vibrant and visually appealing dish.
- If you prefer extra heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- For a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to caramelize the sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
