Kung Pao Ground Chicken Stirfry with Zucchini Peppers
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Cooking Chinese Food ? Ever craved a takeaway but wanted something healthier? This Ground Kung Pao Chicken with zucchini and peppers is your answer! It's got that classic sweet, spicy, and nutty flavour, but without the grease.
Brief Overview
Asian Cooking at home can be simple! Kung Pao Chicken , a classic from Sichuan cuisine, just got a speedy makeover.
This is an Easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe that's ready in 30 minutes, serving four hungry people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein and sneaky veggies. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
What makes this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so special? It's flavourful, satisfying, and doesn't compromise on health.
Time to Get Cooking!
Okay, so Kung Pao Chicken Recipe Ground Chicken style isn't exactly traditional. But honestly, sometimes you just need something quick and easy, you know? I was craving Asian Dishes and thought, "Why not try a Quick Kung Pao Chicken Recipe using ground chicken?"
This recipe is a game changer. It is the way of how you make a Healthy Kung Pao Chicken . Forget slaving away in the kitchen.
We are making it 30 Minute Kung Pao Chicken and it is achievable.
The zucchini and bell peppers add a lovely crunch and a boost of vitamins. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite Kung Pao Chicken with Vegetables !
Let's Get This Show on the Road: Ingredients & Gear for Kung Pao Ground Chicken with Veggies
Alright, mateys! So, you're ready to dive into my Kung Pao Ground Chicken recipe, eh? Excellent choice. I'm telling you, this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a total game changer.
It's quicker than nipping down to the chippy and healthier too! Let's get the ingredients and bits sorted.
Main Ingredients - What You Need, Exactly
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't stress too much if you're a tiny bit out on measurements this is Asian Cooking , not rocket science! But try to be reasonably close.
For the Ground Kung Pao Chicken with vegetables, we need:
1 pound (454g) lean ground chicken: Go for decent quality here. You want something that smells fresh, not funky. Good quality, ethically sourced chicken tastes much better.
1 tablespoon (15ml) low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
1 teaspoon (5ml) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) white pepper
2 tablespoons (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup (I'm partial to honey!)
1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil: This adds a lovely nutty depth. Don't skip it!
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste): Adjust this for your spice tolerance. I like mine with a good kick!
1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch (2.5cm) ginger, minced
1/2 cup (50g) dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2-3 dried red chilies, broken in half (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Seasoning Secrets: Give It That Oomph
Honestly, this is where the magic happens when you are Cooking Chinese Food. Soy sauce and rice vinegar are your building blocks.
The honey (or maple syrup) balances the salty and sour, giving it that addictive sweetness. Chili garlic sauce obviously brings the heat.
Feel free to swap red pepper flakes for dried red chilies. This Easy Kung Pao Chicken should never be boring!
If you don't have chili garlic sauce, try a pinch of cayenne and a bit more minced garlic.
Gear You'll Need: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
No need for fancy gadgets for this Quick Kung Pao Chicken Recipe . You basically need:
- A large skillet or wok: Essential for stir frying. If you don't have a wok, a big frying pan will do just fine.
- A mixing bowl (or two): One for the chicken marinade, one for the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For obvious reasons.
You can easily whip up this 30 Minute Kung Pao Chicken without breaking a sweat.
Let's Get Stir Fried! Kung Pao Ground Chicken with Zucchini & Peppers, Anyone?
Right, fancy a bit of Asian cooking tonight? Ditch that greasy takeaway menu. We are going straight for a Quick Kung Pao Chicken Recipe which I think you’ll agree is much tastier.
I am going to talk about Kung Pao Chicken Recipe Ground Chicken . This Easy Kung Pao Chicken is the "dog's bollocks"! Seriously, this Ground Kung Pao Chicken with zucchini and peppers is a breeze to make.
I love Asian dishes and this one's a winner in my book. And it’s totally manageable, even after a long day.
Think of it as a healthier, speedier take on your favourite Cooking Chinese Food .
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First, get all your bits and bobs ready. Chop your zucchini and bell pepper. Mince that garlic and ginger. Get the marinade and sauce ingredients prepped.
Honestly, it's like a little "Blue Peter" moment everything in its place! This 30 Minute Kung Pao Chicken is so easy to cook.
Trust me, having everything prepped saves so much time. Safety wise, just watch your fingers when chopping.
Stir Fry Magic: step-by-step
- Marinate the Ground Chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and white pepper. Set aside for at least 10 minutes .
- Whisk the sauce: soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and chicken broth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high. Cook chicken, breaking it up, until browned. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C . Set aside.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies for 30 seconds . Add zucchini and pepper, cook until tender crisp for 5- 7 minutes .
- Return chicken to the skillet. Pour sauce over everything. Simmer, stirring, until thickened, for 1- 2 minutes .
- Stir in peanuts and garnish with green onions. Serve hot! You can even add some more vegetables and call it Kung Pao Chicken with Vegetables .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stir Fry Game
A really good pro tip for a Healthy Kung Pao Chicken is to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken.
It really helps with browning. Another common mistake? Overcooking the veggies. Keep them tender crisp for the best texture. I tried that one time, and the Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe became a "mushy chicken" stir fry, but you live and learn! Prep all your ingredients in advance!
Trust me, it makes it so much faster.
So there you have it! A totally delicious and pretty easy Ground Kung Pao Chicken with zucchini and peppers. Enjoy this Asian Cooking at home.
Perfect for a weeknight meal, and way better than ordering in, right?
Recipe Notes on Kung Pao Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Right then, before you get cracking with this cracking Ground Kung Pao Chicken with zucchini and peppers, let’s have a quick chinwag about a few bits and bobs that'll help you nail it.
Honestly, Cooking Chinese Food at home doesn't have to be scary. This is proper easy.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Asian Dishes
Okay, so you've slaved away, now how do you make it look proper fancy? For starters, don’t just bung it on a plate.
A nice bowl works wonders. And presentation? A sprinkle of extra chopped green onions goes a long way. Maybe a few extra peanuts for good measure.
I like to serve mine with a side of steamed rice. If you want a right flavour bomb, try some stir fried greens on the side.
As for drinks, a crisp lager or a nice, cold glass of Pinot Grigio cuts through the spice perfectly. This Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is versatile.
Storage Tips No Soggy Seconds, Please!
Got leftovers? No worries! This Kung Pao Chicken Recipe Ground Chicken keeps like a charm. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you're planning ahead, you can freeze it too. Just let it cool completely first. When reheating, a splash of water can help loosen the sauce.
Give it a good stir and make sure it’s piping hot all the way through. Don't want to risk any dodgy tummy troubles!.
Easy Kung Pao Chicken makes perfect leftovers!
Variations for Every Brit
Fancy a change? No problem! For a Healthy Kung Pao Chicken , swap the honey for a sugar-free sweetener and use more veggies.
Or, if you're feeling brave, chuck in some extra chili for a Spicy Kung Pao. Want a Kung Pao Chicken with Vegetables ? Throw in whatever you have knocking about in the fridge broccoli, mushrooms, even some carrots.
And remember, you can even make this Quick Kung Pao Chicken Recipe vegetarian by subbing the ground chicken with tofu! And for a seasonal swap, try using butternut squash in the Autumn.
This is about making an Asian Cooking style dish your way, right?
Nutrition Basics A Bit of Goodness Inside
So, you might be thinking: Ground Kung Pao Chicken with zucchini and peppers is healthy? Well, it’s definitely healthier than a takeaway! It's packed with protein from the chicken and loads of vitamins and fiber from the veggies.
The sauce does have some sugar, but you can easily adjust it to your liking. All in all, it’s a 30 Minute Kung Pao Chicken dish that’s good for the soul and not too bad for the waistline!
There you have it! Don't be scared. Get in the kitchen, give it a go and have some fun!. Honestly, once you nail this recipe, you'll be making it every week.
Happy Asian Dishes , and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ground Kung Pao Chicken with different veggies, or am I stuck with zucchini and peppers?
Absolutely! Think of the zucchini and bell peppers as guidelines, not rules. Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snap peas, or even edamame would work brilliantly. It's your kitchen, after all have a "butcher's" and use what you fancy!
How can I adjust the spice level in my Ground Kung Pao Chicken with Zucchini & Peppers? I'm not a massive fan of scorching heat!
Controlling the heat is easy peasy. Start with a small amount of chili garlic sauce and taste as you go. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few extra dried red chilies. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
What's the best way to store leftover Ground Kung Pao Chicken and how long will it last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer in a pan until heated through will do the trick. Just be sure it's piping hot before serving, wouldn't want a "dodgy tummy"!
Is Ground Kung Pao Chicken with Zucchini & Peppers a healthy option? What about calories and carbs?
It definitely can be! Using lean ground chicken and loading up on vegetables makes it a healthier alternative to takeaway. The nutritional information is included in the recipe, but remember to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Swapping white rice for cauliflower rice can also cut down on carbs for a healthier dish.
I don't have rice vinegar! Is there a substitute I can use for my Ground Kung Pao Chicken recipe?
Don't you fret! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are perfectly acceptable substitutes for rice vinegar in Ground Kung Pao Chicken. The flavor won't be exactly the same, but it'll still be delicious. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
The sauce didn't thicken up properly! What did I do wrong when making my Ground Kung Pao Chicken with Zucchini & Peppers?
A few things could be at play here. First, make sure your cornstarch is fresh, as it can lose its thickening power over time. Second, ensure you're stirring the sauce constantly while it simmers.
If it's still not thickening, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir that into the sauce, simmer for another minute or two.
Kung Pao Ground Chicken Stirfry With Zucchini Pe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |