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Kung Pao Chicken Noodles

Kung Pao Chicken Noodles

This Easy Kung Pao Chicken Noodles recipe delivers a quick, flavorful meal combining tender chicken, spicy dried chilies, crunchy roasted peanuts, and savory noodles tossed in a perfectly balanced Kung Pao sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and offers a satisfying blend of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors with a delightful nutty crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

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

Noodles

  • 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles

Aromatics & Spice

  • 46 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, freshly minced

Sauces & Seasonings

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water or chicken broth

Garnishes & Extras

  • 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside to prevent them from becoming mushy when mixed later.
  2. Marinate and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with a splash of soy sauce and cornstarch to coat them evenly. Heat a pan on high and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Chilies: In the same pan, add minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir and toast until fragrant and slightly browned to release their spicy aroma.
  4. Make the Kung Pao Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water or chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the aromatics in the pan and simmer briefly to allow flavors to combine.
  5. Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken and noodles into the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients well and let noodles absorb the flavors evenly.
  6. Finish with Peanuts and Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and sliced green onions over the dish. Drizzle sesame oil on top for a fragrant, flavorful finish before serving.

Notes

  • Use high heat when stir-frying to lock in flavors and create a slightly crispy texture on the chicken.
  • Cook noodles just shy of al dente to avoid overcooking during tossing with sauce.
  • Lightly toast peanuts in a dry pan before adding for enhanced crunch and flavor.
  • Adjust spice and sweetness by varying the amount of dried chilies and brown sugar to suit your taste preference.
  • Prep all aromatics and measure sauces in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kung Pao Chicken, Chinese noodles, spicy chicken noodles, stir-fry, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free option