Authentic Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

 

Introduction to A Flavorful Stir-Fry in Under 25 Minutes

Description:
Authentic Kung Pao Chicken — juicy chicken cubes stir-fried with peanuts, chilies, and a rich Sichuan sauce. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and ready in under 25 minutes!

Kung Pao Chicken is a Sichuan classic that balances heat, sweetness, salt, and crunch in every bite. Tender chicken pieces mingle with toasted peanuts, red chilies, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce — it’s one of the most searched Chinese recipes worldwide for good reason!

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thigh, diced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

1 tbsp rice vinegar (or black vinegar)

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp sugar (or honey)

1 tsp cornstarch

3 tbsp water

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tbsp vegetable oil

6–8 dried red chilies (adjust for spice level)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts

3 spring onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)

🔥 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Combine chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Mix well and let marinate 10–15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry
   Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add dried chilies and stir-fry 30 seconds until aromatic (do not burn).
   Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of spring onions. Stir briefly.
4. Cook the Chicken
   Add marinated chicken. Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Add Sauce and Peanuts
   Pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss until it thickens and coats evenly.
   Stir in peanuts and green onions. Mix for another 30 seconds.
6. Serve
   Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

🌶️ Tips for Perfect Kung Pao Chicken

Toast peanuts separately for extra crunch.

Adjust chili amount depending on spice tolerance.

Double the sauce if you like it extra glossy and sticky.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with plain rice or egg-fried rice.

Add a side of Chinese cucumber salad to balance the heat.

Garnish with extra peanuts and green onions for presentation.