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Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken: Quick, Delicious, and Better Than Takeout

This Kung Pao Chicken is a quick, high-protein meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy peanuts in a savory sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marination Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch pieces a lean protein base for your Kung Pao Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce adds essential umami flavor to the marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine infuses depth of flavor; can be replaced with dry sherry
  • ¼ teaspoon White Pepper provides a subtle heat
For the Marinade & Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch for marinade
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch for sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Granulated Sugar for marinating
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Chinese Black Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • cup Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Water
For the Aromatics
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
  • 8 Dried Chili Peppers the heat factor—adjust according to your spice preference
For the Vegetables & Nuts
  • 1 Zucchini, cut into half moons
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  • cup Roasted Peanuts or Cashews
  • 3 stalks Green Onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces

Equipment

  • Wok
  • mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Sauté Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kung Pao Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, cornstarch, and granulated sugar. Mix well until every piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken stock. Set it aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same wok, add an additional tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Next, incorporate the zucchini, red bell pepper, and roasted peanuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet vibrant.
  5. Lower the heat and return the cooked chicken to the pan, pouring in the prepared sauce along with the sliced green onions. Toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly.
  6. Once everything is well-combined and heated through, serve your homemade Kung Pao Chicken over white rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil.

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