Roasted peanuts, ginger, garlic, and spicy crimson chilies give this straightforward kung pao hen a kick that makes it fairly distinctive.
Kung Pao hen is savory and candy with as a lot spiciness as you would possibly want. The peanuts present an extra nutty taste that basically brings all of it collectively.

My husband and children devoured their servings, peppers and all. I merely left the peppers on my plate and the stir fry was the right stage of warmth for my style.
I discovered this recipe for the best-ever kung pao chicken over ten years in the past and it’s been a household favourite for all of those years. I’ve realized to double this recipe since I first began making it.
The recipe beneath is already doubled from the unique. If you happen to’ve made it previously and like a smaller recipe, use the slider within the recipe card to scale back the serving dimension to three.
Straightforward Kung Pao Hen
My favourite flavors as of late are present in Asian meals and I’m all the time on the lookout for extra stir fry concepts. I by no means can resist the ready-made freezer meals at Dealer Joe’s and their Kung Pao Hen and Orange Hen have each been staples in our freezer for a few years.
That stated, it was nicely previous time for me to strive my hand at genuine kung pao hen, so I used to be thrilled to search out this straightforward recipe. Whereas the ingredient checklist is a bit lengthy at first look, like most stir-fry recipes the dish comes collectively in a short time.
The substances on this recipe could also be a bit totally different from what you’re used to, however they’re all very straightforward to search out in an Asian market or on-line. I usually store within the shops (as a result of I like to see the range in individual!) but when there isn’t a close-by possibility or in order for you a visible earlier than purchasing, I’ve linked to some comparable merchandise right here.

Kung Pao Hen Substances
There are a number of substances in Kung Pao Hen which can be adaptable to what you may need readily available. Black soy sauce is thick and virtually syrupy and simply the teaspoon of it on this recipe does make a distinction. Nonetheless, I’ve made this with out it once I didn’t have it readily available, and it’s nonetheless scrumptious with common soy sauce.
I don’t usually use Chinese black vinegar, as a result of with solely ¼ teaspoon within the recipe, it isn’t one thing I’m more likely to buy only for this recipe. I exploit balsamic vinegar, which is the beneficial substitution and it really works nice.

Kung Pao Sauce
There are two elements to the sauce that makes up a Kung Pao stir fry. First, you’ll marinate the hen in a mix of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and oil.
If you’re able to cook dinner the hen, you’ll want the next substances for the sauce:
- low sodium soy sauce
- darkish or black soy sauce (see be aware above)
- sugar
- Chinese language black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- water
- cornstarch

What Peppers Are Utilized in Kung Pao Hen?
The dried crimson chiles used listed below are very small, about one inch in dimension. (Don’t mistake them for the dried Mexican crimson chiles used here.) My choice right here is dried Thai chili peppers they usually are usually very spicy.
I’ve additionally used these dried Szechuan Chinese red chili peppers. They’re considerably milder and the ensuing dish may have no noticeable warmth in any respect. It boils down to non-public choice right here.
Is Kung Pao Hen Spicy?
The spiciness of Kung Pao Hen is in your fingers now. Whereas the peppers may be spicy at occasions, the recipe is well tailored for kind of warmth.
My household enjoys bit of warmth, so once I can discover them, Thai chili peppers are my first alternative. Each methods of creating this kung pao hen are scrumptious and we by no means have any leftovers.

Hen Stir Fry Recipes
Saucy bites of hen are tossed with crispy tender bok choy and a diced jalapeno on this flavorful chicken and bok choy stir fry.
Saucy noodles, crisp scorching greens, and tender bites of hen are tossed collectively on this straightforward stir fry. A late-night Chinese language meals craving impressed this recipe for stir fry noodles with chicken and vegetables.
Candy and just a bit bit spicy, this honey sriracha chicken stir fry is crammed with bite-size sticky candy chunks of hen and tender-crisp peppers. The entire recipe comes collectively in underneath 20 minutes.
Tender bites of chicken, salty bacon, and crisp bell peppers are tossed in a fantastic sweet and spicy sauce to make one of the crucial well-liked stir fry recipes on this website. Just a bit little bit of bacon provides an enormous quantity of taste to this meal. It takes virtually no additional work and the surprising salty bites are irresistible.
This sweet and spicy chicken stir fry is crammed with broccoli and peppers and tossed in a terrific barbecue sauce for a savory candy meal all of us love.
This zucchini stir fry with chicken is a simple dinner that delivers an entire lot of nice taste. Served by itself or over rice or noodles, all of us actually take pleasure in this meal.
Servings: 6 servings
Forestall your display from going darkish
Hen Marinade Directions
-
Place the hen in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss to coat. Add the remaining marinade substances: rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Toss once more to coat. Place the hen within the fridge to relaxation for not less than half-hour.
Sauce Directions
-
Whereas the hen is marinating, whisk collectively the sauce substances: tablespoons soy sauce, darkish soy sauce, sugar, balsamic vinegar, water, and cornstarch. Put aside subsequent to the range.
Stir Fry Directions
-
Warmth 2 tablespoons oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high warmth. Add the hen and cook dinner till calmly browned and virtually cooked by means of, about 3 minutes. Stir often whereas the hen is cooking. Take away the hen to a bowl and add the remaining the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
-
Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and stir to coat. Add the chilies and stir fry till they’re fragrant, about 2 minutes.
-
Add the hen again to the skillet, together with the peanuts. Add the sauce and toss to coat. Stir till the hen is well-coated.
-
Cook dinner for 1-2 minutes to barely scale back the sauce, including 1-2 tablespoons of water provided that wanted to assist scrape up the tasty browned bits from the underside of the pan. Add the inexperienced onions, stir to mix, and serve heat.
I’ve realized to double this recipe since I first began making it. (The recipe beneath is already doubled from the unique.) If you happen to’ve made it previously and like a smaller recipe, use the slider within the recipe card to scale back the serving dimension to three.
Energy: 391kcal · Carbohydrates: 8g · Protein: 44g · Fats: 20g · Saturated Fats: 3g · Polyunsaturated Fats: 3g · Monounsaturated Fats: 11g · Trans Fats: 0.02g · Ldl cholesterol: 121mg · Sodium: 665mg · Potassium: 846mg · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 2g · Vitamin A: 117IU · Vitamin C: 5mg · Calcium: 32mg · Iron: 1mg
initially revealed 12/19/12 – recipe notes and pictures up to date 5/1/23
recipe tailored from and with because of Rasa Malaysia (That is an superior web site filled with straightforward genuine Chinese language recipes. Test it out!)

Trending Merchandise

GE Electronic Window Air Conditioner 6000 BTU, Efficient Cooling for Smaller Areas Like Bedrooms and Guest Rooms, 6K BTU…

Alen BreatheSmart Classic H13 HEPA Air Purifier, Air Purifiers For Home Large Room w/ 1100 SqFt Coverage, Medical-Grade…

Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner w Heat Pump, Dehumidifier & Fan, Cools & Heats Rooms Up to 700 Sq. Ft. w Remote…

Luminance Midway Eco LED Ceiling Fan with Light and Remote | Dimmable 54 Inch Fixture with DC Motor | Contemporary 5…

Nostalgia RF6RRAQ Retro 6-Can Personal Cooling and Heating Mini Refrigerator with Carry Handle for Home Office, Car…
