Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your kitchen into a sizzling Chinese restaurant! This mouthwatering Chinese Chicken Chunks with Peanuts in Spicy Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine tender chicken pieces perfectly seared, coated in a tantalizing blend of chili and soy, studded with crunchy peanuts that add an irresistible texture. Whether you're a spice lover or just craving something extraordinary, this dish promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch chunks, mincing garlic and ginger, dicing bell pepper, and chopping green onions.
- In a medium bowl, marinate chicken chunks with soy sauce and chili paste for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add marinated chicken chunks to the wok, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Stir-fry chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until pieces are golden brown and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- Add diced bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Toss in peanuts and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast and warm them.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish for fresh flavor and color.
- Transfer to serving plate and garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Let your chicken sit in the soy sauce and chili paste for a full 10 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration.
- Wok or Skillet Temperature: Ensure your cooking surface is at medium-high heat for that perfect golden-brown sear without burning.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread chicken in a single layer while cooking to achieve crispy edges and even cooking.
- Meat Doneness: Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Peanut Perfection: Lightly toast peanuts for just a minute to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- Fresh Finish: Add green onions at the very end to maintain their bright color and fresh taste. Pro Tip: For extra heat, adjust the chili paste quantity or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 376kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 93mg
