Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients

While the original Kung Pao Chicken is known for its bold flavors and Sichuan peppercorns, our Italian adaptation incorporates Italian spices and herbs such as oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Additionally, we substitute the traditional soy sauce with balsamic vinegar to add a tangy twist. The dish is also enhanced with the addition of bell peppers, which bring a burst of color and freshness to the Italian-style Spicy Chicken with Peppers. We alse have the original recipe for Kung Pao Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 6g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they begin to soften.
6. 6.
   Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
7. 7.
   Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the vegetables.
8. 8.
   In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and tomato paste. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
10. 10.
    Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Bell peppers — Use a variety of colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• Balsamic vinegar — Opt for a high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Tomato paste — Look for tomato paste with no added sugar for a healthier option.
• Fresh basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the Italian-style Spicy Chicken with Peppers over cooked pasta or with crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite Italian ingredients such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Make a double batch of the dish and freeze the leftovers for a quick and delicious meal on busy days.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-style Spicy Chicken with Peppers as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of Italian red wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Italian-style Spicy Chicken with Peppers on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers will create an eye-catching presentation. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of Italian flair.