Best Recipe for Chinese-style Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Peanuts

Chinese-style spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, combining rich, savory flavors with a spicy kick. It is a perfect example of the bold and exciting flavors that characterize much of Chinese cooking. This dish has a beautiful balance between tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy, tangy sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, this dish can be easily prepared with a few key ingredients. In this article, we'll explore the best recipe for this delightful dish, along with helpful tips and variations for a unique twist.

Ingredients and Preparation

To create the perfect Chinese-style spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Preparation is simple: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and setting them aside. Prepare your peanuts and get your aromatics—garlic, ginger, and dried chilies—ready for stir-frying. This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and at the ready before starting to cook.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Cook the Chicken: In a hot wok or large skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

2. Make the Sauce: In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili paste, and stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the wok along with the peanuts. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce. Add cornstarch (optional) if you prefer a thicker sauce. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for a nice finish and a touch of fragrance.

4. Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Chinese-style spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts is ready to serve! It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Tips and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few ways to make it your own:

• Add bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables for extra color and texture.
• If you want a more authentic flavor, consider adding Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation.
• For a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of chili paste and dried chilies, or use a milder chili sauce.
• Experiment with other nuts like cashews or almonds to change the flavor profile.

How to Serve and Pair

Chinese-style spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts can be served as the centerpiece of your meal or as part of a larger spread of Chinese dishes. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or Chinese eggplant
• A refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the heat

For beverages, serve with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer to complement the spice.

Why This Dish is Amazing

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and the savory-spicy sauce is a winner in every bite. The texture contrast between the chicken and peanuts makes every mouthful exciting, while the balance of heat and umami flavors hits all the right notes. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also relatively easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Where to Buy the Ingredients

Finding the right ingredients for this dish is simple. Most of them can be found at your local Asian grocery store or online. For those looking to shop from the comfort of their home, you can visit trusted websites such as Chinese Food to purchase premium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste, ensuring that your dish is packed with authentic flavors.

Final Thoughts and Purchase Call to Action

Chinese-style spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that can easily be made in your own kitchen. The mix of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and bold, spicy sauce will make it a new favorite in your cooking rotation. Don’t forget to grab your ingredients from trusted sources like Chinese Food to ensure the highest quality and authenticity.

If you're ready to bring this delicious dish to life, click the link and explore the best ingredients available to make your cooking experience even more delightful!