Description
A modern, vibrant twist on the classic Sichuan favorite, these Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. Combining fresh ground chicken with aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions, they are glazed in a savory, umami-rich sauce and finished with the signature crunch of roasted peanuts. Perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy traditional Chinese flavors in a manageable format that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
2 dried red chilis, crushed
1/2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (non-alcoholic)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken stock
Instructions
In a bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, ginger, scallions, breadcrumbs, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Mix gently.
Shape the mixture into uniform, bite-sized meatballs.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
While meatballs cook, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken stock.
Remove meatballs from the pan, add the dried chilis and Szechuan peppercorns to the hot skillet, and toast for 30 seconds.
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and stir until thickened and glossy.
Return the meatballs to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly.
Top with roasted peanuts and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cold when shaping for better texture. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they reheat perfectly in a microwave or skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg