How to Make General Chow Chicken
General Chow Chicken, also known as Kung Pao Chicken, is a popular Chinese dish that combines spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. This delicious dish is made with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers, all stir-fried together. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, making General Chow Chicken is a rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound (450g) of chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup (75g) of peanuts
– 1/2 cup (75g) of dried red chili peppers
– 1/2 cup (75g) of green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup (75g) of red bell peppers, diced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) of cooking wine
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) of sugar
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water to create a sauce.
2. In another bowl, combine the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peanuts and stir-fry until golden brown. Remove the peanuts from the skillet and set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the dried red chili peppers and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
5. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink. Add the red bell peppers and green onions, and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Sauce
1. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
2. Add the stir-fried peanuts back into the skillet and stir everything together.
3. Sprinkle a few drops of sesame oil and give the dish one last stir. Turn off the heat and serve the General Chow Chicken immediately.
Serving Suggestions
General Chow Chicken is best served with steamed white rice. You can also garnish the dish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your homemade General Chow Chicken as a delightful meal or as a side dish for your favorite Chinese cuisine.
Now that you know how to make General Chow Chicken, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and spicy dish. Happy cooking!
