Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

I am obsessed with flavors that smack me in the mouth.

Vertical image of a large white bowl filled with cooked meat, peppers, and peanuts in a light brown sauce on a yellow towel next to chopsticks, with text on the top and bottom of the image.

Aggressive as it may sound, it’s the truth. If an ingredient comes knocking on my taste buds and doesn’t show up with a bang, I’ll escort it right back out the door.

I want my savory foods rich and buttery, my snacks sharp and cheesy, and my wines so tannic and bold they make my jaw muscles flex. So you can imagine that when I met the Szechuan peppercorn, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

And as it turns out, our encounter almost never took place.

Back in the 1960s, the FDA made it illegal to import the spice because of its potential threat to the American citrus industry. The prickly ash trees which spawn the berries can carry a bacterial canker known for being harmful to other plants in the citrus family, so as a precaution, a ban was set in place.

Luckily, in 2004, the US government partially rescinded the restriction and began allowing the import of peppercorns that had been heated first, a solution that killed the bacteria.

Let’s take more of a deep dive into where these peppercorns originate.

They’re produced from the husks of seeds of one of two species of the Chinese prickly ash shrub, in the Zanthoxylum genus – aromatic, spiny small trees in the citrus family that shed their leaves annually.

Psst. Don’t tell this to the sassy peppercorn, but it’s actually not a “pepper” after all.

It’s those pinkish-red husks that cloak the inner black seeds which are the stars of the show, often toasted and ground or used whole. Versions sold whole and seeded are often lower-quality, as they contain stray twigs and broken pieces as well.

Vertical top-down image of a white bowl filled with cooked pieces of meat and pieces of bell peppers in a brown sauce garnished with herbs and peanuts on a yellow towel.

A word to the wise: Though it’s a common misconception that Szechuan peppers are long slender peppers (like a cubanelle or jalapeno), they’re actually berries.

Their fragrant umami flavor and mouth-prickling zing give kung pao chicken its signature flair, and give me all the good feels.

Though it might seem intimidating to make at home, the method of preparing this Chinese classic follows a similar pattern to many other stir-fry-type dishes.

There’s a protein (chicken, in our case) which gets tossed in cornstarch and shallow fried in oil, giving it a light, crispy coating.

Then the veggies are added, then the sauce, and then we eat.

The main difference with this particularly delicious meal is that the cornstarch is joined by piney, citrusy Szechuan peppercorns whose attitude is only enhanced after being toasted and crushed. This step softens the citrus notes and brings out the woodiness, which makes the flavoring an ideal companion for meat.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled recipe.

Once the juicy nuggets have had their turn in the hot oil, in go the peppers. Green and red bells bring some sweetness and texture while dried chilies carry the heavy-handed heat.

If you can get your hands on dried Chinese red peppers (aka Tien Tsin, Tianjin, or facing heaven chilies), well, that’s what’s up. Way to go!

Vertical image of a large white bowl filled with cooked meat, peppers, and peanuts in a light brown sauce on a yellow towel next to chopsticks and herbs

I find grassy, dried chiles de árbol much easier to locate in my neighborhood, not to mention, similarly pungent. Though, if both were within arm’s reach, I’d go for the Tien Tsin, which packs a slightly more fiery jab.

When it comes to the spice level, that’s a personal preference. I recommend removing the seeds of whichever dried chili you opt for – which can be shaken out after removing the stems – as those suckers will blow your lid right off.

Like, bam. Bye, Felicia.

Mild to medium heat is spot on for my palate, so I use around 6, depending on their size. For the real deal, feel free to throw in up to 12. Just make sure you have a couple cold beverages nearby and a bucket of ice to dunk your head in after the first bite.

Once the peppers, plus ginger and garlic, have taken a ride through the flavor bomb the chicken left for them in the ring, the veggies and aromatics head to their corners so the sauce can make its way to the arena.

Thick, dark soy, a splash of acidic rice wine, and sticky honey come together to create a salty, slightly sweet mixture that coats every crevice of the chicken.

Chopped peanuts come in at the end for crunch, and cilantro’s fresh, fluffy leaves add brightness and mimic the citrusy flavor of the Szechuan peppercorns we learned so much about from the get-go.

Hungry? Well, what are you waiting for? Grab those chopsticks and let’s wok it out.

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Horizontal image of a cooked meat and vegetable dinner in a white bowl garnished with chopped nuts and herbs next to scallions, chopsticks, and a yellow towel.

Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken


  • Author: Fanny Slater
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Skip the takeout and try this kung pao chicken. Our speedy stir fry packs a punch with citrusy Szechuan peppercorns and fiery chilies.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 612 dried Chinese red peppers, or chiles de árbol
  • 5 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1/4 cup low sodium chicken (or vegetable) stock
  • 5 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (or substitute hoisin)
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing rice wine (or substitute mirin or dry sherry)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
  • 4 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 green onions, green tops only, rough chopped
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Select as many as you would like to use to set your spice level, according to taste. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by vigorously whisking together 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and the stock. In a separate small bowl, whisk the peanut oil, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and honey together to make the sauce for the dish. Set aside.
  3. In a dry wok (or large skillet with angled sides) over medium heat, toast the Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin, grind the peppercorns into a fine powder. 
  4. In a large bowl, combine the toasted ground Szechuan pepper and the remaining 4 tablespoons cornstarch. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated.
  5. In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the peanuts, tossing occasionally until golden brown and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan, rough chop, and set aside.
  6. Prepare a paper towel-lined plate. Heat the wok (or skillet) over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the chicken and fry, tossing occasionally and working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan and lower the heat of the oil, until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  7. Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the liquid in the pan and lower the heat to medium. Add the red and green bell peppers and the dried chilies. Saute until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
  8. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and saute for an additional minute.
  9. Move the peppers to the perimeter of the wok and then pour the soy-honey sauce in the center of the pan. Bring to a boil, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Once the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute, return the chicken to the pan, tossing to reheat and coat with the sauce. 
  10. Divide among plates and garnish with the peanuts, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: kung pao, chicken, garlic, ginger, bell pepper

Cooking By the Numbers…

Step 1 – Make the Cornstarch Slurry and Sauce

In a small bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by vigorously whisking together 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and the stock. You can substitute water, but the stock adds more flavor.

Try our recipe for low-sodium slow cooker chicken stock! You can adjust the seasonings and salt content to your own taste and preferences.

Horizontal image of a dark and thick brown sauce in a metal bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk the peanut oil, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing rice wine, and honey together to make the sauce for the dish. Set aside.

Dark soy is slightly sweeter, thicker (thanks to the addition of molasses or caramel and cornstarch), and aged longer than regular soy sauce.

If you follow a gluten-free diet, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.

Any variety of rice wine will work here. Chinese Shaoxing wine is just the most famous variety that is widely used, but you can feel free to use mirin or dry sherry instead, if you can’t find it.

Step 2 – Toast and Grind the Szechuan Peppercorns and Prep the Chicken

In a dry wok (or large skillet with angled sides) over medium heat, toast the Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.

Using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin, grind the peppercorns into a fine powder.

Horizontal image of ground peppercorns in a mortar.

Cut the chicken into bite-size cubes.

Horizontal image of raw poultry pieces in a metal bowl.

In a large bowl, combine the toasted ground Szechuan pepper and the remaining 4 tablespoons cornstarch. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3 – Toast and Chop the Peanuts

In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the peanuts, tossing occasionally until golden brown and fragrant, for about 4-5 minutes.

Horizontal image of toasted peanuts in a pan.

Remove from the pan. Rough chop and set them aside.

Step 4 – Prep the Peppers and Cook the Chicken

Seed, rib, and chop the bell peppers.

Remove the stems from the dried chilies and shake out the seeds, pinching and rubbing the pepper between your fingers if necessary to extract as many as you can. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

Mince the garlic and ginger.

Horizontal image of green and red bell peppers chopped on a wooden cutting board.

Prepare a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess oil from the cooked chicken.

Horizontal image of dredged raw poultry chunks in a metal bowl.

Heat the wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil, using peanut oil if you have enough on hand. When it begins to shimmer, add the chicken and fry, tossing occasionally, until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Horizontal image of cooking crispy meat pieces in a pan.

Work in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5 – Cook the Peppers and Aromatics

Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the liquid in the pan and lower the heat to medium. Too much leftover liquid will steam as opposed to sauteing the peppers, and you want them to be crisp-tender, not soggy.

Horizontal image of cooking bell pepper pieces with garlic and ginger.

Add the red and green bell peppers and the dried chilies. Saute until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Chiles de árbol produce a medium-high heat (about 6-7 on a scale of 1-10), so using 5 or 6 in this dish (about 3 tablespoons) will produce a mild level of spiciness.

Stir in the ginger and garlic, and saute for one additional minute.

Step 6 – Pour in and Thicken the Sauce

Move the peppers to the perimeter of the wok, and then pour the soy-honey sauce in the center of the pan. Bring to a boil, and then stir in the cornstarch slurry.

Horizontal image of cooked meat pieces and vegetables in a brown sauce.

Once the sauce has thickened, after about 1 minute, return the chicken to the pan.

Step 7 – Toss to Coat, Garnish, and Serve

Toss the chicken and veggies until they are heated through and coated with the sauce.

Horizontal top-down image of a white bowl filled with cooked pieces of meat and pieces of bell peppers in a brown sauce garnished with herbs and peanuts on a yellow towel.

Divide the kung pao chicken among plates and garnish with the toasted peanuts, green onions, and cilantro.

Nutty, Spicy, Sweet, and Oh-So-Good

When it comes to making your own takeout, the benefits are as fruitful as those zesty peppercorns that kicked off this story. In addition to adjusting the heat level to your personal preference, you can even tinker with the accompanying flavors.

Horizontal image of a cooked meat and vegetable dinner in a white bowl garnished with chopped nuts and herbs next to scallions, chopsticks, and a yellow towel.

Sweet, grassy bell peppers may be the standard for American-style kung pao, but throw in some oniony shallots, shiitakes for an earthy bite, and broccoli for its bounty of nutrients, and you’re on your way to straight vegging out.

Jasmine rice is a pro partner for soaking up tangy sauce, but when I’m feeling bold, I toss cooked lo mein noodles straight into the pan for a hearty feast.

In the mood for more quick and easy Chinese-inspired creations that are even better than their takeout counterparts? Add these tasty ideas to your recipe lineup:

Will you boost the burn with more chilies or keep things mild? Share your spice preferences in the comments below! And don’t forget to give this recipe a five-star rating if you loved it.

Photos by Fanny Slater, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Lorna Kring on May 7, 2015. Last updated on May 27, 2021.

Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.

About Fanny Slater

Fanny Slater is a home-taught food enthusiast based in Wilmington, North Carolina who won the “Rachael Ray Show” Great American Cookbook Competition in 2014, and published her cookbook “Orange, Lavender & Figs” in 2016. Fanny is a food and beverage writer, recipe developer, and social media influencer. She was a co-host on the Food Network series “Kitchen Sink,” was featured on Cooking Channel’s longtime popular series “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and continues to appear regularly on the “Rachael Ray Show.”

18 thoughts on “Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken”

  1. I’ve only ever had western kung pao chicken, but this looks and sounds so much more delicious. There are a number of other authentic Chinese dishes I have tried, and I’ve almost always preferred them to the westernized versions (exception: orange chicken, it’s so delicious I can’t help it). Now I REALLY want to get a hold of a good wok, haha.

    Reply
    • The authentic versions might take a bit of extra effort to source some of the ingredients, but well worth the effort for the amazing flavors.
      And check out the new post on how to choose a good wok!

      Reply
  2. I love authentic Chinese cooking, and Kung Pao is definitely one of my favourites! You have a really good recipe here that knocks the socks off any of the westernised versions. It also looks very colourful and appetising – I will definitely have a go at making this in the next few weeks.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your comments Portia88, it’s a very flavorful dish… let us know how it turns out for you.

      Reply
  3. I love how colorful your dish looks. I do have a decent peeler, but might consider buying one specifically for ginger and those tougher items I occasionally need to peel. I’m not sure I could handle the heat of the Szechuan peppercorns, but it looks and sounds so delicious that I might give it a try. I’m fortunate to have a decent Asian market nearby.

    Reply
    • Kung Pao definitely has some heat, but can be easily reduced to suit tastes… and you are lucky to have a nearby Asian market, I have to go out of my way to reach mine but, I do it anyway.

      Reply
  4. I think it’s interesting that its made of chicken thighs. Every other recipe calls for chicken breast. I really like that. It won’t be as easy to cut up, but it’ll keep the thighs from going bad. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure my skill level is high enough to successfully make this. I wouldn’t mind giving it a try, though. My family loves chinese

    Reply
    • I really like that too! Brown meat is my favorite part of a bird — a bit more fat, more tender, more… good. Haha.

      Reply
      • The dark meat really does make for a richer taste, despite the extra prep time to de-bone the thighs. And it’s not a difficult dish to make, just have everything ready to go before you start cooking and time the other dishes to finish with it. Pretend you’re a Chinese cook and have fun with it!

        Reply
  5. Oh, Chinese food, my guilty pleasure! Too bad this doesn’t feature any noodles of some sort, they are my favorite. However, this doesn’t mean I would refuse such a meal. Excellent recipe! 🙂

    Reply
  6. I tend to use a spoon to scrape my ginger as opposed to using a vegetable peeler. It’s amazingly easy and efficient. People tend to call this a ‘hack’ but honestly it’s just what I’ve been doing for years because it’s a ton easier than any other method – you lose less of the meat.

    Reply
    • A spoon, that’s a good idea. I usually use a thin blade paring knife as it gives me more control than a peeler, but still lose a bit of flesh. Will have to give the spoon hack a go!

      Reply
  7. Oh, I ate this delicious dish at a local Chinese restaurant. It was called the Sechuan Chicken, and was pretty spicy.
    I loved every bit of it! Haven’t considered preparing it at home. Looking at the list of ingredients, I think that it’s cheaper to eat at the restaurant. Things like Sechuan peppercorns are impossible to buy here. If those ingredients were cheaper, I would sure try out your recipe!

    Reply
  8. This does look delicious and I like that it contains a whole mix of vegetables. The colors always look fantastic and they are also tasty. I love my vegetables and spicy rice is also nice. I often make a dish that is similar to this and it also goes a long way.

    Reply
  9. I’m not a huge lover of Chinese foo, but I do enjoy Kung Pao chicken. The only thing I don’t like when I order it in is that it’s never hot enough, so making it myself would allow me to add enough chillies to satisfy my palette.

    Reply

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