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Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a quick, spicy, and savory stir-fry made with tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and crisp veggies tossed in a bold homemade sauce. It’s the perfect takeout-style meal you can make at home in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 6 to 8 dried red chilies
  • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
  3. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and toast peanuts for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add marinated chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add garlic, ginger, and dried chilies to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  6. Add bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until slightly tender.
  7. Return the chicken and peanuts to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir until everything is coated and the sauce thickens.
  8. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version.
  • Swap peanuts for cashews or sunflower seeds if needed.
  • Adjust the number of chilies for your preferred spice level.
  • Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Kung Pao Chicken, Chinese Chicken, Spicy Stir Fry, Takeout at Home, Easy Dinner, Quick Stir Fry