Description
Kung Pao Chicken is an iconic Szechuan stir-fry dish that masterfully balances heat, sweetness, and umami. This bold and vibrant recipe combines tender chicken, roasted peanuts, and crisp vegetables in a rich, spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re recreating this restaurant favorite at home or elevating your weeknight dinner, this detailed guide delivers the ultimate version of Kung Pao Chicken.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8–10 dried red chilies, halved and seeds removed
1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns (optional for numbing heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: Place the diced chicken in a bowl. Add soy sauce, cornstarch, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Toast the Chilies and Szechuan Peppercorns: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Remove and set aside to avoid burning during stir-frying.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the hot wok. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same wok, sauté garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onions for 30 seconds. Add red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken and chilies to the wok. Stir well. Pour in the prepared Kung Pao sauce and toss to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
Add Peanuts and Garnish: Stir in the roasted peanuts and green part of the green onions. Cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Peanut-Free Option: Substitute peanuts with cashews or omit them entirely.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried chilies or use chili flakes for milder or spicier results.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Oil Tip: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut or canola oil for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1¼ cups
- Calories: 428
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 103mg