Go Back
KUNG PAO CHICKEN RECIPES

KUNG PAO CHICKEN

Kung Pao Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Chinese stir-fry that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken bites are enveloped in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Pair it with steamed rice to fully savor every bit of the delectable sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 5 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry or Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • Kung Pao Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry or Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • Stir Fry
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
  • 8 dried red chilies leave whole or slit a few for extra heat
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • ½ cup raw cashews or peanuts

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, dry sherry, and arrowroot powder. Toss thoroughly to coat and allow it to marinate while preparing the sauce.
  2. Prepare the kung pao sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tamari soy sauce, water, dry sherry, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and arrowroot powder until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Toast the nuts: Heat a large wok or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews or peanuts and dry roast for approximately one minute, stirring continuously until lightly golden. Transfer to a separate bowl.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the heated pan. Stir-fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  5. Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: If needed, add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the bell pepper, dried chilies, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorn powder for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to release.
  6. Combine and finish: Re-stir the kung pao sauce to ensure any settled arrowroot is incorporated, then pour it into the pan. Add the chicken and sliced green onions, stirring for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Turn off the heat, fold in the roasted nuts, and mix to combine evenly.

Notes

resent the Kung Pao Chicken on its own or over steamed rice to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.