Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

Are you in the mood for a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also has a delightful crunch? Look no further than this Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken! With its perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, this dish comes together in no time, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Fun fact: did you know that Kung Pao Chicken is named after a former governor of Sichuan, who had a craving for a protein-packed meal? This dish is special because it’s simple, delicious, and a great way to impress your friends and family. If you’ve tried my other popular recipe, Sweet and Sour Chicken, you’ll find this one equally rewarding but with a delightful twist that features crunchy peanuts and a spicy kick.

Let’s dive into how to whip up this incredible meal!

What is Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken?

So, what’s the deal with the name “Kung Pao Chicken”? Did it involve some kind of ancient kung fu battle over ingredients? 😄 While we might not get to the bottom of that mystery today, one thing’s for sure: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dish might just do the trick! Imagine chicken sautéed to perfection, tossed with vibrant veggies, and crowned with crunchy peanuts. What’s not to love? Cook this for a casual weeknight dinner, and I guarantee your family will be coming back for seconds. Ready to feel like a gourmet chef in your own home? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

This Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken shines as a main dish that perfectly balances flavor with ease. With tender chicken breast and vibrant bell peppers, every bite is a celebration of textures. Cooking at home not only saves you money but also gives you the freedom to adjust flavors to suit your family’s taste; why not skip the takeout? Drizzling a generous amount of soy sauce over the dish enhances its umami richness that’s simply irresistible! If you enjoy other Asian-inspired dishes, like teriyaki chicken, you’ll find this Kung Pao offering a satisfyingly different experience. Trust me; your taste buds will be thanking you for this one!

How to Make Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

Quick Overview

This Kung Pao Chicken is the epitome of quick comfort food. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of another 15, weeknight dinners have never been simpler. The texture is crispy, and the medley of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory—makes it a true delight. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken, you’ll need:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken breast and chopping the bell pepper and onion. It’s always a good idea to have everything ready before cooking.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
4. Add the Vegetables: Toss in the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
5. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water. Whisk it all together until smooth.
6. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens (approximately 2 more minutes).
7. Finish with Peanuts: Finally, add the roasted peanuts, stir again, and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
8. Serve: Plate your creation and enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

• Substitutions: If chicken isn’t your thing, try substituting with diced tofu or shrimp for a different protein option!
• Timing is Key: Don’t overcook the vegetables— they should be crisp-tender for the perfect texture.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference; more for heat, less for a milder flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a faster weeknight meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. If you wish to freeze, it’s best within 2 months, but note that the texture may slightly change when reheating.

Now that you have the key to dishes that are not only quick and easy but also packed with the delightful flavors of Kung Pao Chicken, why wait? Grab your apron and start cooking this delicious dish that’s sure to impress your family any day of the week!

Quick and Easy Kung Pao Chicken

A flavorful and crunchy dish featuring sautéed chicken, vibrant veggies, and crunchy peanuts in a tasty sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by dicing the chicken breast and chopping the bell pepper and onion.
• In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cooking

• Add the diced chicken to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
• Toss in the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
• In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water. Whisk it all together until smooth.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens, approximately 2 more minutes.
• Finally, add the roasted peanuts, stir again, and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.

Serving

• Plate your creation and enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

If chicken isn't your thing, try substituting with diced tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Timing is key—don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be crisp-tender. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Keyword Asian Dinner, Comfort Food, Home Cooking, Kung Pao Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe