Go Back

Sizzling Spicy Kung Pao Chicken

This Kung Pao Chicken recipe is a dedicated copycat that captures the perfect balance of salty, savory, and spicy flavors you love, but with one major advantage: total quality control.
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time43 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Marinade –
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thigh meat cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or Mirin or white wine
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • For the Chicken Stir-Fry and Sauce –
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small zucchini cut into bite-sized chunks
  • ¾ cup chopped scallions
  • ¾ cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 4-6 dried Chinese red chiles cut into segments Tien Tsin peppers
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • The Marination (Don't Skip This!)
  • Cut your chicken into 1-inch bite-sized chunks. Place them in a large zip-top bag with the cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar. Massage the bag to ensure every piece is coated. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though a full day of marinating will yield the most tender results.
  • The Prep Work
  • While the chicken marinates, chop your bell peppers, zucchini, and scallions. Mince your garlic and ginger. This is a fast-moving recipe, so having your "mise en place" ready is essential.
  • The Sauce Assembly
  • In a small bowl or pitcher, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Setting this aside now prevents you from scrambling once the pan is hot.
  • The Sizzle
  • Set a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat with vegetable or peanut oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken along with its marinade. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  • The Veggie Toss
  • Add the red bell peppers, zucchini, and peanuts to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes. You want the vegetables to be lightly cooked but still retain a satisfying, firm crunch.
  • The Grand Finale
  • Pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats every piece. Stir in the scallions at the very last second and serve immediately.