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Kung Pao Chicken

This vibrant Kung Pao chicken is a fantastic diabetes-friendly take on the classic Chinese takeaway favourite. By using lean chicken breast or thighs and a balanced blend of aromatic spices, this dish delivers a punchy, savoury flavour without the excess sugar often found in shop-bought sauces. The combination of toasted peanuts and Sichuan pepper provides a wonderful textural contrast and a gentle heat that makes this stir-fry feel truly special.

Perfect for a quick midweek meal, this healthy chicken recipe is packed with protein and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The addition of ginger and garlic provides a fresh, fragrant base that pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or stir-fried greens. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a nutritious, homemade alternative to high-sodium takeaway options that doesn't compromise on authentic taste.

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Ingredients for Kung Pao Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornflour

  • 450g boneless, skinless, chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar, or substitute good-quality balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cornflour

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground Sichuan pepper

  • 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

  • 8 to 10 dried red chilies

  • 3 spring onions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger

  • 40g unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

How to make Kung Pao Chicken

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice wine, and cornflour until the cornflour is dissolved. Add the chicken and stir gently to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, combine the black vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornflour, and Sichuan pepper. Stir until the sugar and cornflour are dissolved and set aside.

  3. You may need to turn on your stove's exhaust fan, because stir-frying dried chilies on high heat can get a little smoky. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until a bead of water sizzles and evaporates on contact. Add the peanut oil and swirl to coat the base. Add the chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until the chilies have just begun to blacken and the oil is slightly fragrant. Add the chicken and stir-fry until no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. Add the spring onion whites, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce and mix to coat the other ingredients. Stir in the peanuts and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle the spring onion greens on top, and serve.

Descargo de responsabilidad

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historia del artículo

La información de esta página ha sido revisada por médicos cualificados.

  • 16 Enero 2026 | Publicado originalmente

    Autores:

    Editores de recetas del Reino Unido

    Revisado por expertos

    Editores de recetas del Reino Unido
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