Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures! Our Kung Pao Chicken Noodle Stir Fry is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant essence of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender chicken thighs, crunchy peanuts, and colorful bell peppers, this dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality stir fry that’s sure to impress family and friends. So, are you ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 8 oz noodles (rice or egg)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, finely mincing garlic, slicing green onions, and dicing bell peppers into small, uniform pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to create the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add diced chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to achieve a golden-brown sear, then stir and continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
- Push chicken to one side of the pan and add minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced bell peppers and peanuts to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring quickly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together, ensuring noodles are well-coated with sauce and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, directly from the wok.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and quicker.
- High Heat is Key: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help achieve that coveted golden-brown sear and keep the chicken juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming it. Overcrowding can prevent proper browning.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a personal touch.
- Noodle Choice: Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option or egg noodles for a heartier bite. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions for the best texture.
- Sauce It Up: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste. If you like it spicier, add some chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes!
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh flavor and a pop of color that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
