Kung Pao Chicken Panda Express Recipe Best Copycat

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Kung Pao Chicken is one of my favorite dishes from Panda Express. I’m excited to share how you can make this delicious meal at home. My copycat recipe captures the spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors of the original dish, making it a great option for dinner. Plus, you’ll love how easy it is to find the ingredients and follow the steps.

A sizzling wok tosses diced chicken, peanuts, and veggies in a spicy, savory sauce. A hint of chili peppers adds a kick to the aromatic dish

The key to a great Kung Pao Chicken is in its balance of flavors and textures.

You’ll need chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, peanuts, and dried red chilis.

For the sauce, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Marinate the chicken and cook it until it’s well seared. Then, add the veggies and sauce for a perfect finish.

This recipe not only tastes like it’s straight from Panda Express, but also allows for some customization.

If you want more heat, add extra chilis. Craving some crunch? Toss in more peanuts. The options are endless, and I know you’ll love making this dish as much as I do.

Key Takeaways

  • This copycat recipe mimics the flavors of Panda Express’s Kung Pao Chicken.
  • Essential ingredients include chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and a savory sauce.
  • Step-by-step instructions ensure you get perfect results every time.

Essential Ingredients

A wok sizzles with diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy sauce, while a chef adds a secret blend of spices

In making Kung Pao Chicken, the right selection of proteins, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings is crucial. Each element adds unique flavors and textures, creating a deliciously balanced dish.

Proteins and Vegetables

Chicken and Peanuts
I always start with high-quality chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean and absorbs marinades well. Don’t forget the peanuts; they add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

Vegetables
For the vegetables, bell pepper and zucchini are must-haves. They offer a sweet and mild flavor that complements the spicy elements. Meanwhile, onion and green onion add additional sweetness and bite.

Optional additions could include mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower for extra texture and nutrition.

Oils
I heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet until hot, which is key for searing the chicken. Adding a bit of sesame oil enhances the dish with a rich, nutty aroma.

Sauces and Seasonings

Basic Sauce Components
For the sauce, I combine soy sauce, a touch of vinegar or wine, and water. This mix creates a savory base. Add garlic and ginger for depth and aroma. These aromatic ingredients are essential in bringing out the authentic taste.

Spices and Heat
Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilis are added for that signature heat and tingling sensation. It’s important to balance the spice level according to your preference.

Finishing Touches
I toss in roasted peanuts at the end for crunch and a final dash of sesame oil for fragrance. Sometimes I add a bit of honey for a slight sweetness, blending perfectly with the spicy and savory tones.

Step-By-Step Preparation

To make this delicious Kung Pao Chicken, follow these steps:


  1. Marinate the Chicken
    First, combine diced chicken with water, salt, ground white pepper, baking soda, and cornstarch. Coat the chicken well and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.



  2. Prepare the Sauce
    Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce in a small bowl. Sometimes, I add a spicy sauce or pepper flakes for extra heat. This combination adds a rich and tangy taste.



  3. Heat the Oil
    In a large skillet or wok, heat both sesame oil and regular cooking oil over medium-high heat. The sesame oil gives a nutty aroma that’s perfect for this dish.



  4. Cook the Chicken
    Cook the marinated chicken in batches until it’s evenly browned. This takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.



  5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
    Use the same pan to stir-fry diced bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Cooking these in the residual oil adds more flavor. Sauté them until they are just tender.



  6. Combine Everything
    Add the chicken back to the pan along with the sauce and a handful of roasted peanuts. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until well mixed and coated.


Kung Pao Chicken Panda Express Copycat
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Kung Pao Chicken Panda Express Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Enjoy a delicious blend of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and bold spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

  • 1/2 cup diced zucchini

  • 1/2 cup diced onions

  • 4-6 dried red chilies

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

  • For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon cooking wine

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1/4 cup water

Directions

  • Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cooking wine, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Mix well and set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add dried red chilies and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Add red bell pepper, green bell pepper, zucchini, and onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • Combine Ingredients:
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the roasted peanuts and green onions. Mix well.
  • Serve:
  • Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

A wok sizzles as kung pao chicken simmers in a spicy sauce. A panda express sign hangs in the background

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the delicious Kung Pao chicken from Panda Express at home, you’re in luck! Here I answer some common questions to help guide you in making this tasty dish.

What are the key ingredients needed to make a Kung Pao chicken like Panda Express?

To make Kung Pao chicken similar to Panda Express, you’ll need diced chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, peanuts, and dried red chilis. For the marinade and sauce, gather soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.

How can I create a copycat version of Panda Express Kung Pao chicken at home?

Creating a copycat version involves marinating the chicken, cooking the vegetables, and then combining everything with the sauce. Following a good recipe ensures you get close to the original taste.

What steps should I follow for an easy Kung Pao chicken recipe similar to Panda Express?

Start by marinating your chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. Prepare your veggies, then cook the chicken in a hot skillet. Add veggies to the pan, followed by the sauce. Simmer until everything is well-coated and cooked through. For details, check out this simple method.

How many calories are in Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken?

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken contains about 290 calories per serving, making it a relatively balanced option for a main dish.

What’s the recipe for Panda Express’s Kung Pao sauce?

Panda Express’s Kung Pao sauce typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and sometimes black pepper. You can get a more detailed recipe for the sauce here.

What techniques does Panda Express use to keep their chicken tender in Kung Pao Chicken?

To keep the chicken tender, Panda Express often uses a technique involving marinating the chicken with water, baking soda, and cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the meat before cooking.

For a similar approach, you can refer to this recipe.