Kung Pao Chicken is a famous Chinese stir-fry dish made with tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and spicy dried chilies. It’s sweet, savory, spicy, and packed with flavor. You don’t need a wok or special tools—just a pan and a few simple ingredients to bring this restaurant favorite right to your table.
Ingredients (Serves 3 to 4) 🛒
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup roasted peanuts
6 to 8 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons cooking oil
For the Marinade 🥣
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce 🍶
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
Instructions 👨🍳
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Stir well until smooth and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Chilies
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add the dried red chilies and cook for a few seconds until they darken slightly (be careful—they can burn quickly).
Then add the bell peppers and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan.
Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
6. Add Peanuts and Green Onions
Stir in the roasted peanuts and chopped green onions.
Give it one final mix.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles 🍚🍜
It’s spicy, crunchy, and full of bold flavor!
Kung Pao Chicken is the perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and crunch. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just treating yourself, this easy dish brings the taste of Chinese takeout straight to your kitchen! 🥢🔥