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Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken with peanuts and chilies

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

A copycat of Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken - tender chicken stir-fried with peanuts, bell peppers, zucchini, and dried chilies in a savory, lightly spicy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stir-Fry
  • 1 pound chicken thighs diced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 6 dried red chilies
  • 1/3 cup peanuts
Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

Equipment

  • Wok or skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Toss the diced chicken with the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together.
  2. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat and stir-fry the chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove.
  3. Add the dried chilies, bell pepper, and zucchini and stir-fry 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Return the chicken, pour in the sauce, and toss 1-2 minutes until glossy.
  5. Stir in the peanuts and serve hot over rice.

Notes

Dried red chilies add aroma and gentle heat without overpowering. Add the peanuts at the end so they stay crunchy.