Kung Pao Chicken
Meal Prep · Chinese

Kung Pao Chicken

Experience the fiery, sweet, and savory symphony of this classic Szechuan stir-fry.

Prep: 20 min
🔥Cook: 15 min
Total: 35 min
🍽4 servings
Non-Vegetarian
Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients

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Method

Step-by-step
  1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup chicken broth to make the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add dried red chilies and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn them). Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and white parts of the scallions; stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
  5. Add diced bell pepper and onion, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats everything, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the roasted peanuts and green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Nutrition

Per serving
NutrientAmount
Calories450 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat25 g
Carbohydrates20 g

Storage & Freezer Guide

Make it last
Refrigerator 3-4 days

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezer Up to 2 months

Allow to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat Stovetop/Microwave

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Chef’s Corner

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch before frying.
  • Adjust the number of dried chilies to your preferred spice level. For more heat, slice them open to expose the seeds.
  • Always have all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very quick process.
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