Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, salty, and savory in every bite. This classic Chinese stir-fry features tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, roasted peanuts, and dried red chilies all tossed in a mouthwatering sauce that’s both slightly sweet and fiery.

The heart of this dish is its sauce. A mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a touch of sesame oil creates that signature glossy glaze. The heat comes from dried red chilies, which infuse the oil and the sauce with a pleasant kick without overwhelming the palate. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

Kung Pao Chicken is quick to cook, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. It starts with marinating diced chicken in a blend of soy sauce and cornstarch, which helps the chicken stay juicy and develop that silky stir-fry texture. Then it’s seared until golden before being tossed with bell peppers, scallions, chilies, and the addictive sauce.

Serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice to soak up all the savory sauce. For an extra veggie boost, you can add broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas to the stir-fry.

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, slightly sweet white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which help balance the spiciness. A cold beer or sparkling water with lime also makes a refreshing match to cool down the heat.

Kung Pao Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, it’s a guaranteed hit that satisfies every craving for something spicy, savory, and utterly delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken

3.71 from 172 votes

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce. It’s a balance of flavors and textures that is both delicious and satisfying.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 4 dried red chilies
• 3 green onions sliced
• 1 bell pepper diced

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until chicken is well coated. Set aside.
• Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peanuts and dried red chilies, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add chicken to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add green onions and bell pepper to the wok, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Calories: 300kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: chinese cuisine, Kung Pao Chicken, Spicy Dish

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Chinese Chicken Curry

A delicious and fragrant Chinese Chicken Curry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and bound to become a family favorite.

Check out this recipe

Chinese Pickled Cucumbers

Chinese Pickled Cucumbers are a delightful and refreshing appetizer or side dish, combining crisp cucumbers with a tangy and savory marinade.

Check out this recipe

Pot Stickers (Chinese Dumplings)

Delicious Chinese dumplings with a savory filling, crispy bottoms, and soft tops. Perfect for an appetizer or a snack.

Check out this recipe

Chinese Spicy And Sour Soup

A delectable balance of heat and tang, Chinese Spicy and Sour Soup is a perfect appetizer or main dish, made with a medley of mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots infused with the spicy and sour flavors of soy sauce and vinegar.

Check out this recipe

Chinese Fried Rice

This easy Chinese Fried Rice is a crispy, savory dish made with leftover rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs. It’s a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for using up leftover rice.

Check out this recipe

Chinese Chicken Wings

These delicious Chinese chicken wings are marinated and baked to perfection, creating a savory and flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Check out this recipe

Chinese Egg Rolls

These crispy and delicious Chinese Egg Rolls are filled with a mixture of savory pork and fresh vegetables, then wrapped in a delicate egg roll wrapper and fried to perfection. A classic appetizer for any Chinese meal!

Check out this recipe

Chinese BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Enjoy these flavorful and healthy Chinese BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Check out this recipe

Chinese Beef and Scallion Breakfast Wrap

A delicious Chinese-inspired breakfast wrap filled with beef and scallions.

Check out this recipe

Chinese BBQ Grilled Seafood Salad

A delicious and refreshing salad with grilled seafood, perfect for summer BBQs.

Check out this recipe