Description
Kung Pao Chicken Noodles is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with savory, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce, all tossed together with a satisfying mix of noodles. The chicken is stir-fried to perfection and coated in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, and a hint of heat from dried red chilies. Crispy peanuts add a delightful crunch, while bell peppers and onions bring freshness and crunch to the dish. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this dish is a deliciously satisfying meal that brings a taste of Chinese-inspired cuisine to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
To make this delicious and flavorful Kung Pao Chicken Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (egg noodles, rice noodles, or any preferred noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- For the Kung Pao Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein for this dish because they’re tender, juicy, and absorb the sauce flavors beautifully.
- Peanuts: Peanuts add a delightful crunch and a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy, tangy sauce.
- Noodles: Noodles serve as the comforting base, soaking up the delicious sauce while providing a satisfying texture.
- Hoison Sauce: A key component of the sauce, hoisin sauce adds a sweet and salty depth of flavor to the dish.
- Chili Paste: For an authentic Kung Pao flavor, chili paste adds the perfect amount of heat, but it can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your Kung Pao Chicken Noodles:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss the chicken to coat it well, then let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the Kung Pao Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili paste, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Chicken:
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Combine Everything:
- Add the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared Kung Pao sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to come together.
- Add the Noodles: Toss in the cooked noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Serve:
- Add Peanuts and Serve: Stir in the roasted peanuts, then remove the pan from heat. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken Noodles hot, garnished with additional peanuts or sliced green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 30g