{"id":7446,"date":"2021-07-10T21:04:08","date_gmt":"2021-07-10T21:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/?p=7446"},"modified":"2026-03-08T14:19:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T14:19:48","slug":"classic-kung-pao-chicken-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/classic-kung-pao-chicken-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Kung Pao Chicken Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My husband loves kung pao chicken. It\u2019s his go-to order for takeout, or at least it was until I started making this kung pao chicken recipe<\/strong> for him. In less time than it takes for takeout to arrive, you\u2019ll have this Chinese restaurant classic on the table much to the delight of your family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Kung Pao Chicken Recipe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cubes of chicken, peanuts, peppers, and chilis unite in this spicy Chinese stir-fry dish. It\u2019s so delicious you\u2019ll wonder why you never made it yourself. I know why\u2026different cuisines can be daunting. But this dish is so easy, you\u2019ll earn your chef badge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"kung<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kung Pao Chicken Ingredients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Chicken<\/strong> \u2013 Use boneless skinless breasts and cut them into cubes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Marinade<\/strong> \u2013 Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, baking soda, and cornstarch help you get that restaurant-style taste and texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Garlic ginger paste<\/strong> \u2013 Adds that Chinese flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bell peppers<\/strong> \u2013 Use red and green. It makes it pretty!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dried chilis<\/strong> \u2013 Here comes the spice!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Szechuan peppercorns<\/strong> \u2013 These add a lemony flavor with a slight numbing heat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Peanuts<\/strong> \u2013 Use roasted unsalted ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Celery<\/strong> \u2013 Adds more texture and crunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sesame oil<\/strong> \u2013 Completes the stir-fry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Green onions<\/strong> \u2013 A must in Chinese cuisine!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Kung pao sauce recipe<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll make the Kung pao sauce from chicken stock, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"Easy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Easy Kung Pao Chicken Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yes, the ingredient list looks long. It is, but it all comes together quickly. And most of these things will be in your pantry or fridge anyway. In all, it takes 30 minutes to make this delicious dish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Yes – but first, kung pao chicken.
    Megan<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you Make Kung Pao Chicken from Scratch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • You\u2019ll put together the marinade and add the chicken, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You\u2019ll also combine the stuff for the stir-fry sauce. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Then heat cooking oil in your wok or skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until the edges are browned. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Remove the chicken and add more oil plus the garlic ginger paste, bell peppers, and peppercorns for about 2 minutes. Then add your stir fry sauce. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Let it boil and thicken, then add your chicken in again. After a few minutes, add peanuts, sesame oil, and green onions and it\u2019s ready!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Kung Pao Chicken Every Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Use boneless thighs if you prefer<\/strong>. We love chicken breast, but if all you have are boneless thighs in your kitchen, you can use them instead. The key is cutting the meat into small cubes for quick cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Don\u2019t skip the Sichuan peppercorns<\/strong>. They are the signature item in this revered dish. However, if you can\u2019t find them anywhere, a half teaspoon of white pepper will suffice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Make time to marinate the meat<\/strong>. Trust me, it makes the texture amazing!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What is Kung Pao sauce made of?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Kung pao sauce is a heavenly creation made by using chicken stock, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. It also gets its distinct flavor from Sichuan peppercorns and chilis added during cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How do you make kung pao sauce from scratch?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Simply follow this recipe and you\u2019ll see how soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, balsamic vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch come together to make kung pao chicken!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What is the difference between kung pao and Szechuan chicken?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Szechuan or Sichuan is technically a style of food though you\u2019ll see this listed on menus of Chinese restaurants in America. Typically, kung pao is spicy yet sweet while Szechuan chicken is bolder and stronger in spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What does kung pao chicken taste like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        It\u2019s sweet yet savory and spicy all at once. The other ingredients add crunch and texture too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Do you eat the peppers in kung pao chicken?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        While you can eat the bell peppers, don\u2019t eat the whole chilis!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Cook Kung Pao Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Kung pao chicken is cooked on the stovetop in one wok (or skillet if you don\u2019t have a wok). It is very simple to make!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What goes well with Kung Pao Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        I think steamed white rice is a must for kung pao chicken simply because it soaks up all that sauce and it\u2019s SO good! If you have time to make eggrolls, they\u2019ll go great. If not, an Asian-style chopped salad made with a coleslaw salad kit is a quick and easy side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Do<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Store Kung Pao Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If any leftovers remain, package them up in airtight containers and stash them in your fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How Long Does Kung Pao Chicken Last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Plan on using your refrigerated kung pao chicken up within 3 days. If not, you can and should put it in the freezer to enjoy another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Can You Freeze Kung Pao Chicken?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Yes and it\u2019s so good! I pour it into freezer bags and lay them flat. Then I have a super-fast and delicious meal for the family any time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Reheat Kung Pao Chicken?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then bake it at 350F in a baking dish covered with foil for about 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Watch How To Make Kung Pao Chicken (Video)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n