How to Make Kung Pao Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

Originating from the Sichuan province in China, Kung Pao Chicken is a classic stir-fry dish that has become popular all over the world for its bold flavors and spicy kick. This dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official, whose title was "Kung Pao." The dish is traditionally made with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, all in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce.

What sets Kung Pao Chicken apart from other Chinese stir-fries is its use of Sichuan peppercorns, which ad...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons white wine, divided
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks
  • 1 ounce hot chili paste
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts
  • 4 ounces chopped peanuts
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Combine water and cornstarch in a cup; set aside.
  • Combine 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch/water mixture in a large glass bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover the dish and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  • Combine remaining 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and remaining cornstarch/water mixture in a medium bowl. Whisk in chili paste, brown sugar, and vinegar. Add water chestnuts, peanuts, green onions, and garlic and toss to coat.
  • Transfer water chestnut mixture to a medium skillet. Heat slowly over medium heat until aromatic.
  • Meanwhile, transfer chicken from marinade into a large skillet; cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  • Combine water chestnut mixture and sautéed chicken together in one skillet. Adjust heat and simmer together until sauce thickens.
  • Nutrition

    437 cal.

    • Total Fat: 23g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 66mg
    • Sodium: 596mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 34g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 49mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 621mg