Zesty Kung Pao Chicken Recipe: Spice Up Dinner Tonight

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen when you whip up this authentic kung pao chicken recipe that balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors perfectly.

Chinese cuisine offers incredible depth in every bite of this classic dish.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

Chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns infuse the meat with an electrifying kick that tingles your taste buds.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-favorite recipe with just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through traditional Sichuan flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of China.

Let’s find out this irresistible kung pao chicken and let your culinary adventure begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Flavorful Ground Kung Pao Chicken

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that provides the main protein base, choose fresh ground chicken with minimal fat for a healthier dish.
• Dry Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, select unsalted peanuts to control the dish's sodium level.

• Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweet and colorful texture, pick bright red peppers that are firm and glossy.
• Zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle freshness, choose small to medium zucchini for tender texture.
• Green Onion: Provides sharp, oniony brightness, use white parts for milder flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers warm, spicy undertone, opt for fresh ground ginger for more intense flavor.
• Ground Garlic: Offers deep, pungent base note, select high-quality ground garlic for consistent taste.

• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Creates rich cooking base and adds distinctive nutty aroma.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Introduces spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Cooking Wine: Enhances overall depth of flavor, white wine works best for light profile.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami foundation, choose low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create glossy coating, mix thoroughly with water before adding.

Wok Tools That Make Kung Pao Chicken Fast and Simple

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving that perfect golden-brown sear on the ground chicken.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables, green onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and ingredient prep.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground chicken while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate sauce and spice measurements.
• Small Bowls: Helpful for prepping and organizing sauce ingredients and garnishes.

Stir-Frying Kung Pao Chicken in Under 30 Minutes

• Sizzling Preparation

Get your kitchen arsenal ready – a wok or large skillet will be your secret weapon for this flavor-packed adventure.

• Chicken Transformation

Brown the ground chicken until it’s beautifully crumbly and golden, creating a delicious foundation for your dish.

• Veggie Dance

Toss in colorful bell peppers and zucchini, letting them caramelize and release their sweet, smoky essence.

• Aromatic Symphony

Introduce green onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, creating a fragrant explosion that will wake up every taste bud.

• Sauce Magic

Reunite the chicken with the veggies, pour in the sauce, and let everything simmer and mingle until the mixture becomes rich and glossy.

• Crunchy Finale

Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a delightful textural surprise that adds nutty excitement to each bite.

Spice Control and Add-Ins for Kung Pao Greatness

• Swap roasted cashews or almonds for peanuts to create a unique nutty twist that adds delightful texture and rich flavor to your dish.
• Replace bell peppers and zucchini with broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to keep the meal exciting and match your vegetable preferences or seasonal availability.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes and chili sauce – perfect for those who love mild flavors or crave intense spiciness.
• Make a large batch and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for easy weeknight dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.
• Try ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes for a different protein profile while maintaining the classic Kung Pao flavor profile and satisfying meal experience.

Presenting Ground Kung Pao Chicken with a Kick

• Nutty Noodle Nest: Serve this zesty ground Kung Pao Chicken over a warm bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice noodles, allowing the sauce to coat each strand beautifully.
• Veggie Companion Plate: Create a colorful side of stir-fried mixed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli to complement the rich flavors and add extra nutrition.
• Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Transform the dish into interactive lettuce cups using fresh butter or iceberg lettuce leaves, letting diners scoop the spicy chicken mixture for a fun, light eating experience.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle additional chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra crushed peanuts on top to enhance texture and provide a delightful crunch with every bite.

Keep Kung Pao Chicken Fresh for Lunch the Next Day

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double recipe and portion the ground Kung Pao chicken into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. These ready-to-heat meals save precious time and ensure delicious eating when you're busy.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Properly stored ground Kung Pao chicken remains fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, maintaining its flavor and texture when sealed tightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to restore the original taste and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm the stored chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's moisture and vibrant flavor profile.

Mouthwatering Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy kung pao chicken delights palates with complex Sichuan flavors from southwestern China. Crispy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and bold sauce make this classic dish a perfect balance of heat and umami for home cooks.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
• 1 red bell pepper, minced
• 1 large zucchini, minced
• ¼ cup green onion (white part only), diced ½-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground garlic
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cooking white wine
• 2 ½ tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsps water
• 2 oz (57 g) dry roasted peanuts, crushed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Searing Protein: Heat wok on high, creating an intensely hot cooking surface. Rapidly sear ground chicken, fragmenting meat into delicate crumbles until achieving a rich caramelized exterior and eliminating raw characteristics.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Introduce bell peppers and zucchini into the scorching wok, executing swift stir-frying techniques to develop subtle caramelization while maintaining crisp texture. Quickly incorporate green onions, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices to infuse complex flavor profiles.
3. Sauce Integration: Return golden-brown chicken to the vegetable medley, creating a harmonious culinary composition. Drench the mixture with prepared sauce, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating and allowing sauce to reduce and thicken, concentrating flavor intensity.
4. Finishing Touch: Eliminate wok from heat source, garnishing the dish with crushed roasted peanuts, which provide a delightful textural contrast and nutty essence, elevating the overall gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Crumble Chicken Carefully: Break ground chicken into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal sauce absorption.
• Manage Heat Wisely: Maintain high heat initially for browning, then reduce to medium to prevent burning delicate ingredients like garlic and spices.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to preserve their crisp-tender quality and vibrant color, avoiding overcooking.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Gently stir sauce to evenly distribute flavors and allow it to slightly thicken, creating a glossy, rich coating on the chicken and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg