Easy Kung Pao Chicken Recipe You Can Try at Home

With this easy kung pao chicken recipe, you don't have to go to your favorite Chinese restaurant to enjoy this tasty dish.

Ingredients:

- 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 8–10 dried red chili peppers

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1 bell pepper, diced

- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

- 2 green onions, chopped

For the sauce:

- 3 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. In another bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the dried chili peppers and stir-fry until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them.

4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the pieces are golden and almost cooked through.

5. Add the garlic, ginger, and bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

6. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

7. Add the roasted peanuts and green onions. Mix everything together and cook for another minute.

8. Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

Cooking a kung pao chicken recipe at home can be easy if you follow a few smart tips. These ideas will help you get the best taste and texture every time.

1. Control the spice level: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the dried chili peppers or use fewer of them. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of the dish without feeling overwhelmed by too much spiciness.

2. Cut chicken evenly: Make sure all the chicken pieces are the same size. Evenly cut chicken cooks at the same speed, which keeps the texture soft. It also prevents some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.

3. Cook on high heat: Stir-frying is best done on high heat, which locks in the chicken’s natural juices. It also helps the vegetables stay crisp and fresh-tasting while giving the dish that authentic restaurant-style flavor.

4. Add peanuts at the end: To keep the peanuts crunchy and flavorful, add them right before serving. If you cook them too long in the sauce, they can lose their texture and taste less fresh.

5. Balance the sauce: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken. You can increase sweetness with more sugar, add tang with vinegar, or adjust saltiness with soy sauce until the balance feels perfect to you.

Sometimes, you may cook more kung pao chicken than you can eat in one meal. The good news is that it stores well if you do it correctly.

In the refrigerator, place your leftovers in an airtight container. They can last for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, use a pan instead of a microwave if possible, as this keeps the chicken from becoming soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze kung pao chicken. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it on the stove.

A kung pao chicken recipe tastes even better when served with the right side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

1. Steamed White Rice: The most classic choice, as it soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the spicy taste.

2. Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to your meal.

3. Fried Rice: If you want something more filling, fried rice pairs well with the savory chicken and adds more texture.

4. Lo Mein Noodles: Soft noodles make a great partner, and they help carry the bold flavors of the dish.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Fresh vegetables add crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of kung pao chicken.

6. Egg Drop Soup: A mild and comforting soup that makes the meal feel complete.

7. Hot and Sour Soup: Adds extra heat and tangy flavors that match the boldness of the chicken dish.