Authentic Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken (Gōngbǎo Jīdīng) is one of the most recognized dishes in Chinese cuisine. Originating from Sichuan province, this spicy and flavorful stir‑fry combines tender chicken, roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and a glossy sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and spicy.

This dish has become popular globally because it’s fast to make, incredibly aromatic, and uses simple pantry ingredients. In many Asian hotels and restaurants, Kung Pao chicken remains a top‑selling menu favorite because of its bold flavor and fast cooking time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g chicken breast or thigh
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil

Kung Pao Sauce

2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water

Aromatics

3 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp ginger
6-8 dried red chilies
1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns

Vegetables

1 green capsicum, cubed
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
Spring onions (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the sliced chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Mix all Kung Pao sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Heat oil and fry dried chilies & Sichuan peppercorns.
Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked.
Add garlic, ginger, and capsicum.
Pour in the Kung Pao sauce and stir until thick.
Add roasted peanuts and mix well.
Serve hot with rice.

🔥 METHOD — Step‑by‑Step

1️⃣ Marinate the chicken

Mix chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Rest for 10 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare the sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

3️⃣ Stir‑fry aromatics

Heat oil in a wok. Add dried chilies & Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant.

4️⃣ Add chicken

Stir‑fry on high heat until lightly golden.

5️⃣ Add vegetables

Add garlic, ginger, and capsicum. Stir‑fry 1–2 minutes.

6️⃣ Add the Kung Pao sauce

Pour the sauce into the wok and stir until thick and glossy.

7️⃣ Add peanuts

Toss in roasted peanuts and mix well.

8️⃣ Serve hot

Enjoy with jasmine rice or noodles.

Authentic Kung Pao Chicken – A Classic Chinese Stir-Fry Loved Worldwide

Kung Pao Chicken (Gōngbǎo Jīdīng) is one of the most recognized dishes in Chinese cuisine. Originating from Sichuan province, this spicy and flavorful stir‑fry combines tender chicken, roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and a glossy sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and spicy.