Kung Pao Kick: Panda Express Copycat (Made Easy!)

Right then, ever get that craving for kung pao panda express , that sweet, spicy, nutty sensation? honestly, sometimes nothing else will do.

Well, skip the queue and let's get cracking on a version you can whip up at home, faster than you can say "bob's your uncle!"

Kung Pao Kick: Panda Express Copycat (Made Easy!)

Fancy a bit of panda express kung pao chicken recipe without the takeaway guilt? this recipe's a doddle. we're talking a tasty, balanced dish, where tender chicken meets crunchy peanuts and a bit of a chili kick.

It's a chinese-american staple, born from sichuan flavors.

This spicy kung pao chicken is easier than you think. we're aiming for a medium difficulty level, about 40 minutes from start to finish and will easily serves four hungry bellies.

Ready for a proper night in?

Why You'll Love This Kung Pao Chicken

This kung pao chicken recipe easy ticks all the boxes. quick, satisfying, and packed with protein. its a great source of lean protein and plenty of flavour! perfect for a friday night feast or a quick mid-week meal.

Plus, making it yourself means you can control the spice level. this copycat kung pao chicken recipe will turn you into a domestic god or goddess.

Kung Pao Kick: Panda Express Copycat (Made Easy!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 dried red chilies, stemmed and halved (or 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce)
• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 4 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine the chicken with all marinade ingredients. Mix well and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
• Chop all vegetables and have them ready to go. Ensure peanuts are accessible.
• Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
• Add dried red chilies (or chili garlic sauce), white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger to the wok and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
• Pour the sauce into the wok with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
• Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Add peanuts and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
• Garnish with the green parts of the green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Chinese

Key to Kung Pao? The Sauce!

Let's talk ingredients, shall we? first up, for the chicken, you'll need 450g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed. honestly, thighs are the way to go.

They stay juicy and tender. the marinade is the magic touch with soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and a little cornstarch.

For the authentic kung pao chicken recipe , get your wok ready. a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce (optional, but trust me), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes, and you'll have the sauce just right.

Don't forget those all-important kung pao chicken with peanuts . you'll also need vegetable oil, dried red chilies, red and green bell peppers, garlic, ginger and green onions to create the best kung pao chicken recipe you've ever tasted.

The fresh ginger and garlic really makes the difference when comparing this to pf changs kung pao chicken . cooking it yourself is really one of the chinese cooking recipes that will elevate your skills as a home chef.

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. making a banging kung pao panda express copycat at home is easier than you think.

Honestly, the secret's in the sauce and having your bits and bobs ready to rock. this ain’t just any chinese cooking recipes gig; it’s about nailing that panda express flavour.

Ingredients & Equipment - Kung Pao Masterclass

Main Ingredients: All You Need For A Spicy Kung Pao Chicken

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs. Fresh is best, innit?
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry).
  • 1 tsp cornstarch.
  • 1/2 tsp salt.
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper.
• Kung Pao Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce.
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar.
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed).
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch.
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional). Makes it extra lush.
  • 1 tsp sesame oil.
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Spice it up, mate!
• Stir-Fry Goodies:
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • 4 dried red chilies (or 1 tsp chili garlic sauce).
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts. Can’t skip these!
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced.
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced.
  • 4 green onions, chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The magic's in balancing the salty, sweet, and spicy. this kung pao chicken recipe easy is all about that perfect blend.

Soy sauce and rice vinegar are your base. a touch of brown sugar gives it sweetness. oyster sauce? that's the secret weapon for umami, but skip it if you're veggie.

Want a quicker spicy kung pao chicken ? use chili garlic sauce instead of dried chilies. and don't be shy with the red pepper flakes if you're a proper chili-head.

You can even try the panda express kung pao chicken recipe with extra sriracha.

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Wok Required

• Wok or large skillet. Anything works, really.
• Small bowls for sauce and marinade.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

You don't need a fancy wok to make this homemade kung pao chicken amazing. a large skillet works just fine.

Got no measuring spoons? eyeball it, mate! we're not baking a soufflé here. this copycat kung pao chicken recipe is forgiving, honest.

Some say the best kung pao chicken recipe is made by not worrying so much. you know?

Alright, let's get cracking on some top-notch kung pao panda express at home! honestly, who doesn't love a good bit of panda express? especially that spicy kung pao chicken .

But sometimes, you just can't be arsed to leave the house, you know? so, let’s bring the panda to your kitchen! i reckon this is the best kung pao chicken recipe around, and it's surprisingly easy.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right then, mise en place is key here. chop everything before you start cooking. seriously, it saves a world of pain.

You don’t wanna be fumbling around for garlic while your chilies are burning, trust me. i once set off the smoke alarm doing that, oh my gosh! we don't want that disaster in your home.

Get those veggies and the chicken prepped! this also includes making the marinade and the sauce as well

Marinade Magic

The chicken needs some love before it hits the wok. combine your soy sauce, shaoxing wine (or dry sherry if you're posh), cornstarch, salt, and white pepper in a bowl.

Chuck in the chicken, give it a good mix, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes . this helps lock in flavor and keep the chicken tender.

Sauce Boss

Next up, the sauce! this is where the magic happens for a copycat kung pao chicken . whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce (optional, but adds a great umami punch), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Give it a taste and adjust the chili flakes to your liking. remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away.

Kung Pao Kick: The Cooking Lowdown

Alright, time to get cooking! Here’s how to knock up some Homemade Kung Pao Chicken worthy of a chef’s kiss.

1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat . This is crucial for that smoky flavour.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Take it out and put it aside.
3. Chuck in the dried red chilies (or chili garlic sauce), the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds , or until you can really smell them. Add bell peppers. Cook them around 2- 3 minutes until a little softer.
4. Pour in the Kung Pao sauce. Cook until it thickens, about 1 minute .
5. Put the chicken and peanuts back into the wok. Mix together, coating evenly in the sauce.
6. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions. Serve with rice or noodles.

Ace Tips for Cracking Kung Pao

Want to take your Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts game to the next level? Here are some belting tips.

Wok Like a Pro

High heat is your friend. it gets that wok hei going. don't overcrowd the wok, or the chicken will steam rather than fry.

I learned that the hard way. prep is essential! you want everything ready before you start cooking so things can move quickly.

Mistake Avoidance

Don't overcook the peppers! they should still have a bit of crunch, yeah? taste the sauce before adding the chicken, adjust it, and make sure it is perfect! i reckon you'll want to create a kung pao chicken recipe easy with my tips! it's a nice way to start with chinese cooking recipes .

Make-Ahead Magic

You can chop the veggies and mix the sauce earlier in the day. That'll help save time when you're actually cooking. Although, it will be best to eat it fresh, not stored.

So, there you have it! now you can enjoy a cracking authentic kung pao chicken recipe without leaving the house.

It's a good alternative to panda express kung pao chicken recipe . enjoy!

Alright, let's chat about some extras for our kung pao kick: panda express copycat (made easy!) , shall we? this isn't just about following steps.

It's about making this kung pao chicken recipe easy and properly tasty!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? don't just chuck it on a plate. think about it! pile that beautiful spicy kung pao chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice.

A sprinkle of extra green onions? absolutely! maybe a wedge of lime for a bit of zing? go for it.

Honestly, even using a nice bowl makes a difference. for sides, a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli balances the richness.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

Refrigerate your homemade kung pao chicken in an airtight container. it'll keep for about 3-4 days. fancy freezing? you can! but, be warned, the texture might change a bit.

It's best eaten sooner rather than later.

Reheating is a doddle. Microwave it (covered) or heat it up in a pan. A splash of water can help if it's a bit dry.

Variations: Get Creative, Inn'it?

Want to mix things up? Of course you do!

For a veggie version, swap the chicken for tofu. make sure it is pressed. this makes it authentic kung pao chicken recipe .

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. easy peasy. seasonal twist? in autumn, add some butternut squash.

It works a treat! or maybe a few slices of water chestnuts.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

Okay, let's be real, this isn't health food. But it's not terrible either!

It's got a decent amount of protein from the chicken. the peppers add some vitamins. just be mindful of the sugar in the sauce.

Everything in moderation, yeah? consider this a treat night where you also eat well! this is best kung pao chicken recipe .

So, there you have it, all the extras to make your kung pao panda express experience even better. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Seriously, have fun with it! you'll be chowing down on some proper copycat kung pao chicken in no time. i really think this is better than panda express kung pao chicken recipe , especially if we try to follow pf changs kung pao chicken style.

Now, get cooking, you legend! loads of luck recreating kung pao chicken with peanuts . and remember, don't forget to explore other great chinese cooking recipes .