Print

Chinese Kung Pao Chicken without Sauces

Print Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken cubes, crunchy peanuts, and colorful vegetables tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8–10 dried red chilies, halved and seeds removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, 2 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry dried chilies for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add garlic, ginger, red and green bell peppers, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat, cooking until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in roasted peanuts and green onions. Mix well.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of dried chilies to control spiciness.
  • If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, use dry sherry as a substitute.
  • Use roasted cashews instead of peanuts for a variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: kung pao chicken, Chinese stir-fry, spicy chicken, chicken with peanuts

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/chinese-kung-pao-chicken-without-sauces/