Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal? You’ll love this Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken recipe! With tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy kick, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Best of all, the Instant Pot makes it super easy to whip up in no time. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and let the pressure cooker do the work.
Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Origins
You can explore the captivating history of Kung Pao Chicken.
This beloved Chinese dish has a distinguished past that goes back to the Qing Dynasty.
It’s said that it was titled after a Qing Dynasty official named Ding Baozhen, also known as Kung Pao.
Ding Baozhen was a fan of spicy cuisine and would regularly ask his cooks to make a meal with diced chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers.
Gradually, this dish became known as Kung Pao Chicken.
Nevertheless, the original recipe has gone through many changes and adaptations over the years.
Now, Kung Pao Chicken is enjoyed internationally for its bold flavors and spicy kick.
Therefore, the next time you savor this scrumptious dish, consider its remarkable history.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
-1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1/4 cup dry sherry
-1/4 cup rice vinegar
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1 teaspoon sesame oil
-1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1/4 cup water
-2 tablespoons cornstarch
-1/4 cup peanuts
-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-2 green onions, chopped
-1/4 cup diced bell pepper
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Gather the ingredients for this delicious Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken and follow these steps for an easy meal:
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Start the Instant Pot on sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil.
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Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, then return the chicken to the pot.
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Lock the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
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When the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure and remove the lid.
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In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add it to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens.
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Serve the Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and peanuts.
Savor this flavorful Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken!
Tips for Cooking
With these helpful tips, you can easily cook the perfect Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken. Follow these suggestions to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal:
| Tips for Cooking |
|---|
| 1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and juicy results. |
| 2. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes to bring out the flavors. |
| 3. Sauté the chicken in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking to create a caramelized texture. |
| 4. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes and Sichuan peppercorns, according to your taste. |
Final Thoughts
Before you wind up your meal preparation, don’t forget to make extra servings of this scrumptious Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken – it’s sure to become a treasured family favorite!
This flavorful dish combines soft chicken, crunchy peanuts, and an appetizing sauce that will have everyone wanting more.
The Instant Pot makes it simple and fast to prepare, enabling you to have a nourishing meal on the table in a jiffy.
The combination of spices and herbs creates an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen with anticipation.
The tender chicken, covered in a sticky sauce, is perfectly complemented by the heat from the chili peppers.
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal that will have your taste buds tingling.
With its intense flavors and simplicity, this Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken is a dish you’ll want to make time and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Chicken With Another Type of Protein, Like Shrimp or Tofu?
Yes, you can absolutely switch out the chicken for shrimp or tofu in the recipe. Both of these alternatives will work great and give you a delicious result. Bon appetit!
How Spicy Is the Kung Pao Chicken Recipe? Can I Adjust the Level of Spiciness?
You can customize the spiciness level of the recipe to your preference. Increase the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce if you want a spicier flavor, or decrease them if you prefer a milder version. The choice is yours!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Regular Pot Instead of Using an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a regular pot instead of using an instant pot. Simply follow the instructions, adjusting the cooking times as needed. Enjoy your homemade Kung Pao chicken!
How Long Does It Take to Prepare the Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken?
It typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken.
Can I Freeze the Leftovers of This Dish for Later Consumption?
Yes, you can certainly freeze the leftovers of this dish for later consumption. It’s best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to ensure its freshness and flavor remain intact.
