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–+ servings
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken in a black bowl.

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Heather S.
Easy, sweet, tangy, and spicy, this copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is so good, you'll never want to buy it again! Serve it with rice and it's a complete meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 467 kcal

Ingredients
  

for the chicken

  • 1 pound chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch divided
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup red oinion diced
  • 1 small zucchini cut into half moons
  • 1 small red bell pepper seeded and diced

for the sauce

  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger grated
  • tablespoon garlic grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha

garnish

  • ½ cup peanut roasted
  • ¼ cup green onions sliced

Instructions
 

  • Cut the boneless and skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. Toss well to coat.
  • Heat sesame oil and cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Cook chicken in batches over medium-high heat until evenly browned and set aside. Leave any residual oil behind in the pan.
  • Sauté the onions, red bell pepper, and zucchini in the same pan until just tender.
  • Whisk together chicken broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and remaining cornstarch to make the sauce.
  • Pour the sauce into the pan with vegetables and bring to a simmer until thickened.
  • Add chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce and bring to a simmer to heat the chicken through.
  • Stir in peanuts and chopped green onions before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Heather’s Tips

  • Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture in your vegetables, add them towards the end of the cooking process.
  • Toasting the peanuts before adding them to the dish can enhance their flavor.
  • Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes can make it more tender and flavorful.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 467kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 797mgPotassium: 541mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 791IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken, chicken dishes, copycat, panda express
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