Kung Pao Chicken

Bored of the same old chicken recipes? Looking to kick things up a notch in the kitchen?

Today we've got the perfect recipe for you. Ready in under an hour, this authentic kung pao chicken recipe features lots of flavor and plenty of texture. 

From the tender chicken pieces to the crunchy peanuts and the savory sauce, there is so much about this recipe that you are going to love.

Whether you're craving a classic take on this beloved Chinese dish or looking to put your own spin on it, this kung pao chicken recipe is everything you've been looking for to shake up your chicken dinners.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This kung pao chicken recipe works because of its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

With just a handful of key ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal time and effort in the kitchen.

What sets this delicious kung pao chicken recipe apart is its high level of customization. You can tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs, from adjusting the level of spiciness to incorporating your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives. This recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity.

Ingredients

Marinade:

The marinade for this homemade kung pao chicken is made with soy sauce, cornstarch, and red wine. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with rich flavors. For a more authentic marinade, consider using Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese rice wine that imparts a unique, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor.

Chicken:

For an authentic kung pao chicken, the best cuts to use are boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast. Boneless cuts are preferred as they are easier to work with and cook more evenly. Using fresh chicken is ideal for the best texture and flavor, but you can also use frozen chicken if needed.

Ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, you can still make kung pao chicken. Simply add the pre-cooked chicken towards the end of cooking, just to heat it through. In addition to chicken, you can also use other proteins in this recipe such as shrimp, beef, portabello mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.

Sauce:

You can make this simple kung pao chicken sauce using balsamic vinegar, oil, sugar, red chili flakes, and ginger. For a more authentic taste, you can try incorporating other ingredients like rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Vegetables:

While this kung pao chicken recipe uses red bell peppers, celery, garlic, and onion, you can add a number of other vegetables to your dish to add freshness, vibrancy, and nutrition. Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, snow peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, and snap peas also pair very well with this dish.

How to Make Kung Pao Chicken

Step One: 

Combine 1 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce, red wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl.

Step Two: 

Add the chicken to the mixture and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step Three: 

Add balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 4 tablespoons olive oil, ginger powder, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sugar, red chili flakes, and water to another bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step Four:

Heat 2 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step Five: 

Add peppers and celery to the skillet and saute until softened. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step Six: 

Add the chicken to the pan and saute until cooked on all sides.

Step Seven: 

Add the garlic and green onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Saute until aromatic.

Step Eight: 

Add peppers, celery, and sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.

Step Nine: 

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat, and stir in the peanuts.

Step Ten: 

Serve this homemade kung pao chicken with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!

Tip

• Kung pao chicken cooks quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes dicing the chicken, chopping vegetables, and mixing the sauce in advance.

What to Serve With Kung Pao Chicken

This delicious kung pao chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its bold, spicy flavors. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, soaking up the delicious sauce and balancing the heat. For a healthier option, consider brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Stir-fried or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, or bok choy, add a fresh, crisp texture and additional nutrients. For a complete meal, you can also serve this authentic kung pao chicken with a light cucumber salad with an Asian-inspired dressing or some simple vegetable spring rolls.

You can also serve it as a lettuce Wrap, for a lighter and crunchier option.

FAQs

Can I make vegan kung pao chicken?

Yes, you can make vegan kung pao chicken by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Ensure you use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture before cooking. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the sauce, use vegan-friendly soy sauce and avoid any animal-derived ingredients.

Is kung pao chicken suitable for meal prep?

Yes, kung pao chicken is great for meal prep. Prepare individual portions with rice and store them in meal prep containers. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

For how long can leftover kung pao chicken be kept fresh?

Any leftover kung pao chicken that you have can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it's stored in an airtight container to maintain its quality. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the leftover kung pao chicken for up to 3 months.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you are looking for a way to kick your meals up a notch and expand your culinary repertoire then you will love today's collection of recipes. We have gathered some of our favorite Asian-inspired dishes to help you get motivated in the kitchen to experiment with new flavors.

Chicken Fried Rice

Orange Chicken

Beef Chop Suey

Beef And Broccoli