17 Kung Pao Chicken Recipe In Chinese Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its bold and spicy flavors. This traditional dish originated in the Sichuan province of China and is known for its combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fiery chili peppers. Today, Kung Pao Chicken can be found on menus in Chinese restaurants all over the world. In this article, we will dive into the history of this beloved dish and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make your own delicious Kung Pao Chicken at home. So put on your apron and get ready to experience the mouth-watering taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Main Ingredients: Oil, Soy Sauce, Dry White Wine, Cornstarch, Boneless
If you're looking to spice up your next BBQ, then this Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a must-try. This dish combines savory chicken with a spicy kick from the traditional Chinese Kung Pao sauce. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your household.
2of 16
Real Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Garlic, Minced Ginger, Green
For an authentic taste of Kung Pao Chicken, this recipe is the real deal. It uses a combination of Szechuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and garlic to create a bold and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
3of 16
Kung Pao Chicken from The Chinese Takeout Cookbook
Main Ingredients: Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, Peanut Oil, Red
If you love Chinese takeout but want to try making it at home, then this recipe from The Chinese Takeout Cookbook is a great place to start. It features all the classic flavors of Kung Pao Chicken, including peanuts, soy sauce, and vinegar, for a dish that will rival your favorite takeout spot.
4of 16
Quick Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, Chicken, Green Onions, Garlic
For a quick and easy version of Kung Pao Chicken, this recipe is perfect. It uses pre-cooked chicken to cut down on cooking time and can be made in just 20 minutes. The sauce is simple but still packs a punch, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
5of 16
Chinese Kung Pao Chicken, Paleo Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Garlic, Red Chili Pepper, Peppercorn
For those following a paleo diet, this Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy option. It uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch to create a gluten-free and soy-free version of this classic dish. It's a great way to indulge in your favorite flavors without the guilt.
6of 16
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Copycat
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Medium Zucchini, Red Bell Pepper, Red
If you're a fan of Panda Express, then you'll love this copycat recipe for their famous Kung Pao Chicken. It uses all the same ingredients and techniques to replicate the iconic dish at home. Serve it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal that will satisfy your cravings.
7of 16
Sugar Free Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Distilled White Vinegar, Honey, Chili
If you're trying to cut back on sugar but still want to enjoy the flavors of Kung Pao Chicken, then this sugar-free recipe is for you. It uses a combination of sugar-free sweetener and vinegar to create a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies. It's a guilt-free option that still delivers on taste.
8of 16
Kung Pao Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Red Chillies, Vegetable Oil, Garlic
For a fun and unique twist on traditional Kung Pao Chicken, this recipe uses chicken wings instead of chicken breasts. The wings are marinated in a spicy Kung Pao sauce before being grilled to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or as the main course for a tasty and unexpected BBQ dish.
9of 16
Kung Pao Chicken - Chinese Restaurant Quality
Main Ingredients: Oil, Peanuts, Chicken Breast, Cornstarch, Shaoxing
If you've ever wondered how to recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant at home, then this Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a must-try. It uses all the traditional ingredients and techniques to create a dish that tastes just like the one you would order at your local Chinese spot.
10of 16
Kung Pao Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Vermicelli, Marinade Sauce
For a complete and satisfying meal, try this Kung Pao Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry recipe. It combines the classic flavors of Kung Pao Chicken with the addition of noodles for a heartier dish. The noodles soak up all the delicious sauce, making each bite burst with flavor.
11of 16
Spicy Kung Pao Chicken – Homemade Chinese Takeout...
Main Ingredients: Dried Chilies, Peanuts, Coconut Oil, Boneless Skinless
For a homemade version of Chinese takeout, this Spicy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a winner. It's packed with heat from the addition of chili oil and dried chili peppers, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.
12of 16
Spicy Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Corn Starch, Canola Oil, Soy Sauce
If you love a little heat in your dishes, then this Spicy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a must-try. It features a homemade sauce with a generous amount of chili flakes, giving it a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds tingling. Serve it over rice and top with crushed peanuts for an added crunch.
13of 16
Ground Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper
If you're looking for a different way to enjoy Kung Pao Chicken, then this recipe using ground chicken is a great option. It's a quick and easy stir-fry dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, using ground chicken instead of chicken breasts cuts down on cooking time and makes for a more budget-friendly meal.
14of 16
Easy Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Egg White, Kosher Salt, White Pepper
This recipe for Easy Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for beginners or those short on time. It uses store-bought Kung Pao sauce for a quick and convenient meal that still delivers on flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
15of 16
CPK's Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Sherry, Chili
If you're a fan of California Pizza Kitchen, then you'll love this copycat recipe for their Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti. It combines two classic dishes – Kung Pao Chicken and spaghetti – for a unique and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
16of 16
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breast, Water, Salt, Large Egg
For an easy and delicious version of Panda Express's Kung Pao Chicken, try this recipe. It uses a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to create a sweet and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Origin of Kung Pao Chicken
The Legend Behind the Dish
Legend has it that Kung Pao Chicken was named after a Qing dynasty official, Ding Baozhen, who was also known as "Kung Pao." Ding Baozhen was an avid fan of spicy food and would often request his chef to create new and exciting dishes for him to try. One day, his chef came up with a dish that combined diced chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers, and Ding Baozhen loved it. He enjoyed it so much that he asked his chef to make it for him on a regular basis, hence the name "Kung Pao Chicken."
The Evolution of Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken has gone through many variations since its creation in the Qing dynasty. In the 20th century, the dish was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants and became popular in American Chinese cuisine. This version of the dish is often sweeter and less spicy compared to the traditional recipe. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of the authentic Kung Pao Chicken recipe, with restaurants and home cooks striving to recreate the bold and spicy flavors of the original dish.
How to Make Kung Pao Chicken
Now that we know the history of Kung Pao Chicken, let's dive into the recipe. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful dish at home.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
3-5 dried red chili peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Marinade:
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice wine or dry sherry
1 tsp cornstarch
Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together the chicken, soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
In a wok or pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns and stir fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken and stir fry until it is cooked through.
Add the garlic and stir fry for another 30 seconds.
Add the sauce and continue to stir fry until the sauce thickens.
Add the roasted peanuts and green onions and stir fry for another minute.
Remove from heat and serve hot over rice.
Final Thoughts
Kung Pao Chicken is a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among Chinese food lovers. With its bold and spicy flavors, it is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So next time you're craving Chinese food, skip the takeout and try making this delicious dish at home. Your taste buds will thank you.