Kung Pao Chicken comes from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold use of dried chillies, garlic, and peanuts. This dish was named after a Qing Dynasty official, Ding Baozhen, and has travelled far beyond China, adapting to different tastes while keeping its signature heat and crunch.
Kung Pao Chicken brings together juicy fried chicken, toasted peanuts, and a glossy sauce that hits spicy, savoury, and slightly sweet notes. The contrast of textures—crispy edges, soft meat, and crunchy nuts—makes it stand out on any table.
A spicy chicken stir fry like this works well for quick dinners or weekend cooking when you want something packed with flavour. It pairs easily with steamed rice, making it a reliable go-to for satisfying meals without complicated prep.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
250 gramsBoneless chicken legs (cut into ½ inch cubes)
Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and season with salt, crushed pepper, and 2 tablespoons of cornflour. Toss until each piece is evenly coated with the mixture. Let it rest so the coating binds well and lightly tenderises the meat. This step helps create a thin crust during frying while locking in moisture.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Fry Chicken Pieces
Heat enough oil in a kadai for deep-frying. Slide in the coated chicken pieces in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry until they turn light golden and are about three-quarters cooked. Remove and drain on absorbent paper so excess oil doesn’t dilute the sauce later.
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Step 3: Build Aromatic Base
Heat sesame oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle until fragrant but not browned. Toss in broken dried red chillies to release their smoky heat. Stir continuously so the aromatics infuse the oil evenly without burning.
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Step 4: Add Sauces & Base
Mix in red chilli paste and sliced spring onion bulbs, stirring to coat them well. Pour in a small amount of stock to prevent sticking and allow the flavours to blend. Add soy sauce, red chilli sauce, salt, and a pinch of sugar, creating a balanced base that leans spicy with slight sweetness.
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Step 5: Thicken The Sauce
Combine the remaining cornflour with a little stock to make a smooth slurry without lumps. Add the rest of the stock to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the slurry slowly, watching the sauce turn glossy and slightly thick, coating the back of a spoon.
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Step 6: Toss & Finish
Add the fried chicken pieces and roasted peanuts to the sauce. Toss everything well so the chicken gets evenly coated and finishes cooking through. Let it simmer briefly until the sauce clings nicely. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh spring onion greens before serving.
It uses dried chillies, peanuts, and a balanced sauce that combines heat, sweetness, and umami. The texture contrast between crunchy nuts and tender meat makes it distinct.
Yes, reduce the dried red chillies and chilli paste. You can also add a bit more stock or sugar to soften the heat without losing its overall flavour balance.
Overcrowding the pan or skipping the cornflour coating can affect texture. Fry in batches and ensure the oil is hot enough to seal the coating quickly.
Yes, you can shallow fry or even sauté the chicken, though the texture will be softer. Deep frying gives the classic slightly crisp bite.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce and keep it from drying out.