Kung Pao Chicken Noodles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base/Chicken

01 - 340g noodles of choice
02 - 450g chicken breast
03 - 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon honey
05 - 1 tablespoon chili paste
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
07 - 120ml diced green onion (mostly white part)
08 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic

→ Sauce

09 - 120ml low sodium tamari or soy sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon peanut butter
11 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 - 2 tablespoons chili paste (sambal oelek)
13 - 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
15 - 1.5 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
17 - 3 tablespoons water
18 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Garnish

19 - 80ml crushed peanuts
20 - 80ml diced green onion (mostly green part)

# Instructions:

01 - Cut the chicken breast into small, roughly 2.5cm pieces. Combine with tamari/soy sauce, honey and chili paste in a bowl. Mix and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
02 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
03 - Whisk together all sauce ingredients except water and cornstarch until well combined.
04 - Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add white parts of green onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
05 - Add marinated chicken to the skillet (discard remaining marinade). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 74°C.
06 - In a separate pot, heat sauce over low heat. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the sauce. Allow to thicken slightly.
07 - Add cooked noodles to the thickened sauce and toss to coat. Add cooked chicken and stir to combine. Allow flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
08 - Garnish with crushed peanuts and green onion tops. Serve immediately, optionally with vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.

# Notes:

01 - This dish can be made ahead and reheated, though the noodles may absorb more sauce when stored.
02 - Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing the chili paste and red pepper flakes.
03 - For a more authentic flavor, use Chinese egg noodles if available.