General Tso's Chicken

from Everyday Food Oct.08 issue. its part of a section about making popular take-out items lighter and cheaper at home instead of eating out. travis has declared this his favorite meal ever. fantastic flavor!!

recipe info: serves 4 total time 45minutes

1 1/4 cups long grain brown rice
1/4 cornstarch, divided
1 lb snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger (i did 1 tsp ginger powder)
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp red-pepper flakes
2 large egg whites
coarse salt and pepper
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil, such as safflower

1- cook rice according to directions. meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. add snow peas, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar and red-pepper flakes; toss to combine, and set aside
2-in another bowl, whisk together egg whites, remaining 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. add chicken, toss to coat.
3-in a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high. lift half the chicken from the egg-white mixture (shaking off excess), and add to skillet. cook, turning occasionally, until golden., 6-8 minutes. transfer to plate; repeat with remaining oil and chicken, and set aside (reserve skillet)
4-add snow pea mixture to skillet. cover; cook until snow peas are tender and sauce is thickened, 3-5 minutes. return chicken to skillet (with any juices), toss to coat. serve with rice.