Kung Pao Chicken Recipe – Spicy, Savory & Better Than Takeout

Craving a bold and flavorful Chinese dish? Our Kung Pao Chicken Recipe is the answer. This delicious stir-fry brings together tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy, savory sauce that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or preparing a dish to impress guests, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their meal.

Ingredients for Kung Pao Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chili paste or sriracha – For the perfect balance of heat
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

For Stir-Frying:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – For cooking
• 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts – Roasted
• 2-3 dried red chilies – Adjust for spice level
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger – Grated
• 1/2 onion – Sliced
• 1 bell pepper – Sliced
• 1/2 cup scallions – Chopped

How to Make Kung Pao Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Set this sauce aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken
   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
   In the same pan, add the dried chilies, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and scallions, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Stir in the roasted peanuts and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Serve
   Serve your Kung Pao Chicken hot, with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra scallions or chili flakes for an added kick.

Tips & Variations for Your Kung Pao Chicken

1. Adjust the Spice Level

You can make your Kung Pao Chicken as spicy as you like by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili paste or sriracha. For a milder version, use just a little or skip it altogether.

2. Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat
If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They add more richness to the dish.

3. Make It Vegan
For a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the flavors of the dish with plant-based ingredients.

4. Add Extra Veggies
If you want to load up on veggies, add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for more texture and color in your Kung Pao Chicken.

FAQ About Kung Pao Chicken

Q: Can I make Kung Pao Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, making it easier to cook the dish when you’re ready. It’s also great as leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Q: What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
A: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar or use oyster sauce for a different but still delicious flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

This Kung Pao Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The juicy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and colorful vegetables come together in a savory stir-fry that’s guaranteed to be a hit at dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home anytime.

Love this recipe? Explore more Chinese-inspired dishes on greenbeancasserolerecipe.com.