Kung Pao Chicken with Celestial Seasonings Decaf Mandarin Orchard Green Tea

If you like Kung Pao Chicken, you will love this version. The green tea in this dish not only gives you a healthy burst of antioxidants, but also provides extra fresh flavor and aroma. For variation, replace chicken with shrimp or flavored tofu. You can also use other flavors of green tea such as Celestial Seasonings Chamomile Green, Raspberry Gardens Green or Lemon Zinger Green teas. If you like spicy food, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or use whole dry peppers.

Green Tea Marinade:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Contents of 1 bag Celestial Seasonings Decaf Mandarin Orchard Green Tea
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Kung Pao Chicken:
1 pound skinned, boned chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
Contents of 1 bag Celestial Seasonings Decaf Mandarin Orchard Green Tea
1/2 cup (1 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut red bell pepper
1/2 cup (1 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut yellow bell pepper
3 julienne-cut green onions
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and white pepper to taste
4 tablespoons toasted peanuts or other nuts

Combine marinade ingredients in a medium bowl; add chicken. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; add ginger, garlic, and green tea. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken marinade mixture and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in bell peppers, onions, and lemon juice. Season with salt and white pepper; cook and stir 1 1/2 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Toss in peanuts. Serve warm over rice or noodles.

Yield: 4 servings