20 Best and Most Authentic Kung Pao Chicken Recipes
FEBRUARY 07, 2023
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
BEST
We may not be able to fly to China to sample the real deal, but with the help of these 20 authentic and delicious Kung Pao Chicken recipes, you can get the same flavor and texture from the comfort of your own kitchen.
From classic takes on the main dish to variations featuring quick and easy time hacks we've got all the Kung Pao Chicken recipes you need to make a delicious and iconic Chinese dish.
Get ready for a truly mouthwatering experience!
The Modern Proper
Kung Pao Chicken
Our Kung Pao chicken recipe swaps in cashews for the traditional peanuts, and gets extra balance from some added veggies. All the spicy Kung Pao goodness that you crave, no day-after regrets.
23
20,908
170
50 min
TOTAL TIME
514
CALORIES
$2.77
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Savory With Soul
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
If you love Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken, then you'll really love this copycat recipe of mine. It's more delicious , and, of course, it's cheaper to make at home.
11
339
21
30 min
TOTAL TIME
446
CALORIES
$1.96
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Jo Cooks
Kung Pao Chicken
This Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious stir-fry loaded with chunky veggies, chicken and coated in a homemade tasty sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and way better than take-out!
57
20,278
95
30 min
TOTAL TIME
502
CALORIES
$2.69
PER SERVING
View Recipe
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Dinner Then Dessert
Ground Kung Pao Chicken
Ground Kung Pao Chicken with chopped zucchini, bell peppers and crunchy peanuts in Panda Express copycat sauce and done in 20 minutes!
20
81,851
171
20 min
TOTAL TIME
358
CALORIES
$1.89
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Seasonal Cravings
Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken
Bursting with flavor and beyond easy to make, this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite take-out dish. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, this savory recipe is sure to become your new weeknight staple.
3
30 min
TOTAL TIME
387
CALORIES
$2.63
PER SERVING
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Half Baked Harvest
Healthier 25 Minute Kung Pao Chicken.
Taking everyone’s favorite takeout order and making it healthier. So much better than ordering out!
1,256
18,220
155
25 min
TOTAL TIME
430
CALORIES
$2.05
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Featured Recipe
Cooklist AI
Delightful Kung Pao Chicken in 25 Minutes
Experience the joy of making your favorite takeout dish right in your own kitchen, with a delightful spin on Kung Pao chicken. It's not just healthier but also tastes better than what you would order!
3
25 min
TOTAL TIME
435
CALORIES
$1.89
PER SERVING
Ingredients
16 INGREDIENTS
6 SERVINGS
1 tbsp cornstarch
Directions
8 STEPS
1
In a medium bowl, mix the chicken, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sherry, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
2
Prepare the sauce by combining 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sherry, honey, hoisin, balsamic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
3
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a pan over medium heat.
4
When the oil shimmers, add the remaining oil along with the chicken, cooking and tossing occasionally until crispy, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the bell peppers, fresno pepper, garlic, and ginger, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6
Pour in the sauce and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 5 minutes.
7
Stir in the sesame oil, peanuts, and green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
8
Serve the Kung Pao chicken over rice, and garnish with extra green onions.
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Food
Kung Pao Chicken
This is a recipe that I've used for years. It's so quick and easy for a week night meal and has such wonderful flavor.
336
224
9
22 min
TOTAL TIME
1329
CALORIES
$2.78
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Eating Well
Kung Pao Chicken with Bell Peppers
Here's an easy chicken recipe you'll definitely want to add to your dinner repertoire. A quick marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor in this healthy version of a take-out favorite. Adding a little oil to finish the marinade coats the chicken and helps keep it from sticking to the pan.
1
768
159
30 min
TOTAL TIME
679
CALORIES
$3.17
PER SERVING
View Recipe
A Bountiful Kitchen
Better than Takeout Kung Pao Chicken
This quick and easy version of Kung Pao Chicken will keep you coming back for more and wonder why you ever ordered take-out!
6
259
9
25 min
TOTAL TIME
530
CALORIES
$3.21
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Recipe Critic
Baked Kung Pao Chicken
This Baked Kung Pao Chicken is better than takeout! With a delicious sauce that has just enough of a kick and awesome flavor.
8
1,812
118
1 hr 20 min
TOTAL TIME
946
CALORIES
$5.15
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Good Housekeeping
Fiery Kung Pao Chicken
Forget takeout — this homemade Chinese food recipe, made with chicken and spicy chiles in your favorite cast iron skillet, packs all pao. Kung pao, that is.
30
30 min
TOTAL TIME
303
CALORIES
$1.54
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Seasoned Mom
Dump-and-Bake Kung Pao Chicken
Skip the Chinese restaurant carryout and prepare an easier, lighter version of your favorite dish! This Dump-and-Bake Kung Pao Chicken requires just 10 minutes of prep for an easy dinner recipe that the whole family can enjoy.
5
2,336
11
40 min
TOTAL TIME
668
CALORIES
$1.81
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Platings and Pairings
Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners. Chicken is simmered in a spicy sauce and finished off with crisp sautéed red peppers and crunchy peanuts.
6
324
20
4 hr 15 min
TOTAL TIME
568
CALORIES
$2.66
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Life Made Keto
Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken
Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken Stir Fry – an easy ONE PAN stir fry for busy weeknights. Best of all, this popular takeout favorite is keto-friendly with the same classic sweet & spicy flavors as your local Chinese restaurant.
2
48,057
955
27 min
TOTAL TIME
411
CALORIES
$2.17
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Savory Spice Shop
7 Spice Kung Pao Chicken
You might think twice about ordering out for Chinese when you see how easy and delicious this weeknight meal is to make.
3
52
25 min
TOTAL TIME
539
CALORIES
$3.80
PER SERVING
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The Gingered WHISK
Kung Pao Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
This easy sheet pan dinner is a fantastic healthy spin on a traditional Kung Pao Chicken recipe, with tons of veggies, loads of flavor, and not much work!
104
2
30 min
TOTAL TIME
708
CALORIES
$7.25
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Inquiring Chef
Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken with Rice
Sweet, savory, saucy, and spicy , Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken is a fast, easy weeknight meal. Use the pot-in-pot method to cook the rice and it all comes together in the pressure cooker in just a few minutes.
16
211
9
35 min
TOTAL TIME
546
CALORIES
$1.14
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Kung Pao Chicken FAQ
What is Kung Pao Chicken?
What ingredients do I need to make Kung Pao Chicken?
What is the best way to prepare the ingredients for Kung Pao Chicken?
What cooking techniques should I use for Kung Pao Chicken?
Can I make any substitutions to the ingredients?
How can I adjust the consistency or texture of the dish?
What are common mistakes to avoid when making Kung Pao Chicken?
How should I store leftover Kung Pao Chicken?
How do you tell if Kung Pao Chicken is bad?
When does Kung Pao Chicken expire?
Tips for storing Kung Pao Chicken to extend shelf life
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