The Famous Chinese Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 7 to 8 ounces each
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 small dried red chili peppers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 green onions (spring onions, scallions)
• 4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn, optional
• 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews
• a few drops sesame oil, optional