Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re bringing you a flavorful and easy-to-make One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken recipe. This dish combines the savory goodness of ground chicken with a medley of vegetables and a spicy-sweet sauce, all cooked in one pan for convenience and ease. Let’s dive into the details and create this delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
- 3 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine (or substitute with dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked into 4 tablespoons water
- 2 oz dry roasted peanuts, crushed
Instructions
Cooking the One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken:
- Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the diced red bell pepper, diced zucchini, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, Chinese Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch-water mixture until well combined.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked ground chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add peanuts and green onions: Stir in the crushed dry roasted peanuts and the green parts of the chopped green onions. Cook for another minute to heat through.
Serving:
- Serve hot: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Notes
- Ground Chicken: You can substitute ground turkey or ground pork for variation.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots.
- Spiciness: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Peanuts: Dry roasted peanuts add crunch and flavor. You can also use cashews or almonds if preferred.
Variations
Vegetarian/Vegan Option:
- Substitute ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Low-Carb Option:
- Serve the One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice or noodles.
This One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making this dish and savoring the savory-spicy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground beef instead of ground chicken.
2. What can I substitute for Chinese Shaoxing wine?
You can substitute Chinese Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
4. Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken! Happy Cooking!
