Kung Pao Chicken Recipe is a classic Chinese stir-fry made with tender chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce this dish serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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𧥠Why Youâll Love This Kung Pao Chicken Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of savory sauce and roasted peanuts is irresistible.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats from peanuts.
- Authentic Taste: Delivers the flavors of classic Chinese cuisine at home.
â What Is Kung Pao Chicken Recipe?
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe is a traditional Chinese stir-fry dish featuring diced chicken, vegetables, peanuts, and dried chilies in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Known for its bold flavors and heat, itâs a favorite worldwide.
đ Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 dried red chilies
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
đ„ Instructions:
- Mix chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. Add roasted peanuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
đ Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of dried red chilies to make Kung Pao Chicken as spicy or mild as you like.
- Marinate for Tenderness: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch ensures a tender texture.
- Roast the Peanuts: Lightly roasting the peanuts beforehand intensifies their flavor.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas.
đ What To Serve With Kung Pao Chicken?
Kung Pao Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles it also complements sides like sautéed green beans, bok choy, or a light cucumber salad, balancing its bold flavors with fresh and mild accompaniments.
đ How To Store Leftover Kung Pao Chicken?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover kung pao chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure itâs cooled completely before storing.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover kung pao chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
đ„” How To Reheat Leftover Kung Pao Chicken?
- In The Stovetop: Heat leftover kung pao chicken in a skillet over medium heat add a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce and prevent drying for up 3-5 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Place leftover kung pao chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for up 2-3 minutes stirring in between until hot.
FAQs
What makes Kung Pao Chicken spicy?
The spice in Kung Pao Chicken comes from dried red chilies used during the stir-frying process. Their heat infuses the dish with a mild to moderate spiciness, which can be adjusted based on the number of chilies used.
What vegetables are commonly used in Kung Pao Chicken?
Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and celery are commonly used in Kung Pao Chicken. These vegetables add crunch, color, and nutrition to the dish, complementing the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
What type of chicken is best for Kung Pao Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat works best for Kung Pao Chicken. Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and remain tender during stir-frying, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
What is the origin of Kung Pao Chicken?
Kung Pao Chicken originated in Sichuan Province, China, and is named after a Qing Dynasty official, Ding Baozhen, who was nicknamed “Kung Pao” (meaning “Palace Guardian”). Itâs a staple of Sichuan cuisine, known for its balance of flavors.
How do I thicken the sauce in Kung Pao Chicken?
To thicken the sauce in Kung Pao Chicken, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the cooking process. This creates a glossy and rich consistency.
Is Kung Pao Chicken healthy?
Kung Pao Chicken can be a healthy dish when made at home, as itâs high in protein and contains nutritious vegetables. Use moderate amounts of oil and salt, and serve with whole-grain rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
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- Homemade Spicy Chicken Soba Noodle Saladâ
- Asian Soba Chicken Noodles
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 341
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g
Kung Pao Chicken
Description
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe is a classic Chinese stir-fry made with tender chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce this dish serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. Add roasted peanuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables enhance the dish’s flavor.
Control the Heat: Adjust the number of dried red chilies to make Kung Pao Chicken as spicy or mild as you like.
Marinate for Tenderness: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch ensures a tender texture.
Roast the Peanuts: Lightly roasting the peanuts beforehand intensifies their flavor.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas.