Spicy, nutty, and packed with wok flavor
Kung Pao Chicken
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
4 portions
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Tender chicken stir-fried with dried chilies, roasted peanuts, and a savory-sweet sauce. A Sichuan classic with addictive numbing heat.
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $
Dietary: Dairy-Free
Quick Summary
30 min total time|4 servings|Medium difficulty
Tender chicken stir-fried with dried chilies, roasted peanuts, and a savory-sweet sauce. A Sichuan classic with addictive numbing heat.
AsianChineseDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Kung Pao chicken is one of those dishes that reveals the brilliance of Sichuan cooking — the interplay of heat, sweetness, tang, and the tingly numbness of Sichuan peppercorns. Every bite delivers something different, keeping your palate engaged from start to finish.
This version stays true to the Sichuan original while being completely achievable in a home kitchen. The key is having everything prepped and ready before the wok gets hot, because once cooking starts, it moves fast. Mise en place is not optional here — it is essential.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 8-10 dried red chilies, snipped and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp Chinkiang black vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- 1
Toss diced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- 2
Mix the sauce: remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, black vinegar, hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Set aside.
- 3
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until smoking. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes until seared. Remove to a plate.
- 4
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry dried chilies for 30 seconds until fragrant and darkened. Add garlic and ginger, toss for 15 seconds.
- 5
Return chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss vigorously until everything is coated and the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- 6
Add peanuts and green onions, toss to combine, and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Chinkiang vinegarBalsamic vinegar
Not identical but provides similar dark color and malty sweetness.
Dried red chiliesRed pepper flakes
Use 1-2 tsp flakes for convenience, though you miss the aromatic quality of whole chilies.
Hoisin sauce1 tsp brown sugar + 1 tsp soy sauce
Approximates the sweetness and body of hoisin in a pinch.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Have absolutely everything chopped and measured before you turn on the heat. Wok cooking waits for no one.
Dried chilies are for flavor and aroma — most people do not eat them. Adjust quantity for your heat preference.
If you can find Sichuan peppercorns, toast and grind 1 tsp and add with the garlic for authentic numbing heat.
Use a cast iron skillet if you do not have a wok — get it ripping hot for the best sear.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The peanuts will soften but the flavor remains excellent.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot skillet or wok for 2-3 minutes. The microwave works but the texture will not be as good.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (about 1.5 cups) · 4 servings
Calories350
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein34g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat18g
Fiber2g
Sugar4g
Sodium720mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Chinkiang vinegar?
- A Chinese black rice vinegar with a malty, slightly sweet flavor. Find it at Asian grocery stores. Balsamic vinegar is a passable substitute.
- How spicy is this?
- With seeds removed from the chilies, it is moderate. For mild, use only 4-5 chilies. For fiery, leave the seeds in.
- Can I use cashews instead of peanuts?
- Yes, cashews are a popular variation and add a buttery richness.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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