KUNG PAO CHICKEN - I'm obsessed with this stir fry recipe!

Kung pao chicken is the best 30-minute Chinese stir-fry dinner at home. Juicy chicken bits are tossed in a glossy tangy-sweet-savory sauce, then served over warm rice to soak up all that delicious flavor.
When you spot a ton of dried chili peppers in a Chinese dish, you know it's a classic Sichuan dish at heart. This province in China is known for creating spiced, bold flavors accentuated by whole-dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. It's layered and complex (though easy to whip up) and the tongue-numbing effect of Sichuan peppercorns is very distinctive to kung pao chicken.
I've got even more tips and swaps listed on the recipe on my website, so make sure to check that out!
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► TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:39 Slice the chicken breasts into small cubes.
01:07 Velvet the chicken and let it marinate.
01:40 Make the kung pao sauce.
02:11 What are Sichuan peppercorns?
02:59 Are the dried red chili peppers spicy?
03:55 Tips and substitutions for the spicy flavor.
04:10 Chop and prep the stir fry vegetables.
05:10 My wok and wok utensils.
05:31 Should you use peanuts or cashews in this recipe?
05:51 Dry roast the nuts.
06:08 Stir fry the chicken.
06:33 Stir fry the vegetables, spices, and aromatics.
06:52 Add the sauce and combine everything together.
07:39 Serve the kung pao chicken over rice.
08:09 Taste test.
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#kungpaochicken #chickenstirfry #chickendinner

[@Downshiftology]

So really... how spicy do you like it?? Let me know! xo - Lisa

[@beeenie822]

No spicy for me…

[@SpadexClover]

For Kung pao, the spicier the better

[@reesiezanga5232]

I can take a lot of heat, love me some scotch bonnet peppers and Caribbean food

[@darlatravis8499]

I love it spicy…great advice on adjusting the seed quantity to adjust the heat level.

[@susannah-carolla9587]

SPICEEE!!

[@Xgenerati]

Downshiftology and Chef John - if you follow those two on KZbin, you're good for life.

[@jmgirard7]

You are, afterall, the boss of your Kung Pao sauce.

[@user-eb5ek3oo3f]

As a Chinese student in the US, to be honest I have never imagined I would saw a westerner teaching how to cook Kong pao Chicken lol. Thank you so much for liking this Chinese dish and sharing all other healthy and delicious! If you would like to try more traditional authentic Chinese dish, a good suggest is checking @chefwang ‘s video here. He’s a professional chef from Sichuan Province!

[@ashleynicole9423]

We have Chinese restaurants on every corner in the US so it’s really quite natural lol.

[@user-eb5ek3oo3f]

haha Although I like authentic Chinese food and make my own at home, I also enjoy Panda Express so much@@ashleynicole9423

[@DeathHasGrace]

Be nice. We have Chinese American restaurants all over, but some of the dishes have been adapted and aren't very authentic anymore. They're excited to see the video and the dish being taught to a large audience. 😊

[@mariarohmer2374]

@@DeathHasGrace Yes, exactly. I've tasted many disappointing Kung Pao dishes from different restaurants. Many painfully bad. Not everyone can make authentic recipes. This one looks well thought out and fantastic!

[@nilabakery]

I really enjoyed this video, and in my opinion, the good filming and very tasty dishes shown in it indicate the professionalism of the cook. 👌👌🤩😋

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks for your kind words! Hope you enjoy this recipe 😊

[@basm620inbelair9]

Omg, how easy! Why did I think Kung Pao Chicken was an unattainable dish for a home cook?! 🤦‍♀ Thank you for another great one, Lisa. I’m off to shop for the ingredients!

[@amys4681]

Looks amazing. You make all your recipes so easy to make so everyone can enjoy them :)

[@dianec3279]

Thank you so much for including the options for ingredients we may not be able to get. This looks amazing and I know my oldest is gonna love it! Thanks again Lisa! You da best! 🍚🥢

[@carmelaswartz4872]

Once again, an outstanding step-by-step, how to, video that I can’t wait to make. I especially love your videos because I can watch and make up my grocery list, play as I’m prepping and again while cooking. You make it a “no fail” cooking experience! Thanks, Lisa! Your biggest fan! 😀💕

[@Downshiftology]

Happy to hear you're enjoying Downshiftology videos! Can't wait for you to make this kung pao chicken 😊

[@chezmoi42]

This looks sooo good. I can't help thinking that it could be adapted into a delightful salad, too.

[@suewilbur504]

This looks delicious - can’t wait to try it!!

[@alanaltshuld]

This is one of my favorite Chinese dishes. I was looking for inspiration for dinner and it’s likely I’ll make this recipe tonight. Thanks, Lisa.

[@almaf5687]

This was amazing!!! Thank you so much for the recipe😊! My family loved it!

[@Downshiftology]

Glad the whole family enjoyed this kung pao chicken!

[@stephanielowe1205]

This looks amazing and totally going to be on the menu today. Ordered your healthy meal prep cookbook and it should be arriving today. Can’t wait!

[@Downshiftology]

Oh yay! Can't wait to see all the meals you prep from the cookbook 😊

[@staticbeans]

Looks delicious. Cannot wait to prepare this dish.

[@valerieharmon2618]

Love all your stuff!! I have followed you for some time..always informative..to the point ..and always a great presentation.. Thankyou

[@euniemin1334]

This looks amazing for meal prep!! Definitely going to try this 😋😋

[@splott8]

I've been watching your videos for awhile now and just wanted to share with you my love and appreciation for all that you do. Love the California drone footage, recipes, and personal stories that invite us into your life while enriching ours.

[@efrangio]

I made this tonight for dinner. It was delicious.

[@Downshiftology]

Glad you enjoyed this for dinner!

[@luciegallagher2710]

This looks amazing Lissa!!! Definitely going to try this one!!!! ❤

[@Downshiftology]

Please do! And let me know what you think. :)

[@laurasimmons7098]

ALL of your recipes are fabulous Thank You, cant wait to try❤❤❤❤

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy this kung pao chicken!

[@whn3344]

Aw, Lisa! You’re the best!! I love your vids, they are always clean looking and easy to follow. This one was super cool because of your real reactions at the end 😄 I can tell it’s delicious and I love that you’re not afraid to be real in your vids ❤🍜

[@Downshiftology]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this video! Plus, I love to share how delicious these recipes 😂

[@PawPawMountain]

Looks Great! Thanks for the Recipe!!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy! 😊

[@bird271828]

Lisa, I love your explanations and substitutions. Thank you for your videos 😍😋👏👏👏👏

[@Downshiftology]

Glad all the information is so helpful! I just want to make sure everyone's question is answered and that you have all the tools needed to make this recipe successfully 😊

[@gdp7q]

I love making Chinese food at home!!! Thx for this🍽🍽

[@mebethanyhope]

I just needed to tell you that I likely will not make this recipe but that did not stop me from wanting to watch it. Your videos are some of my fav on KZbin!

[@yaffitefraim9160]

This is a great and very easy dish to prepare. Thank you ❤

[@stepinthyme1624]

I’ll have to try this for my husband and I

[@achiyaku]

I can’t wait to try this! Thank you so much!

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you like it!

[@luciannedemarco6296]

Yum! Can't wait to try the recipe! XO

[@user-vc9yb2ut4e]

I love your videos ️…..You’ve inspired me to cook delicious fancy meals.

[@ChiliPepperMadness]

This kung pao chicken looks so good!

[@usmanghumman2483]

Very yummy recipe video

[@matiasarias]

I absolutely love ❤ that now you speak on camera at the end of the videos 👏

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks for the feedback! Testing this out 😉

[@oliviatsai7896]

You’re awesome 👏 You should open a restaurant with all your different cuisines and desserts! Keep in the good work 👍👍👍

[@villagesteader3552]

This looks doable! Thank you!

[@Downshiftology]

Very doable once you've read through the ingredients needed! Hope you enjoy and can't wait to see how your kung pao chicken turns out 😊

[@Erica-B]

Thank you for sharing another easy and colorful recipe! I didn’t find your video to be too chatty at all. Many of your videos feel like catching up with a friend. Keep up the great work. 😊

[@user-or1iy8qh5j]

I love your videos 💯❤️…..You’ve inspired me to cook delicious fancy meals. 😂

[@Downshiftology]

And making kung pao chicken at home couldn't be any easier! Hope you enjoy 😊

[@heathersoper6923]

Ooooh this is my kind of meal!!!!

[@donnawin234]

Great video 💯 I like your suggestions and I like to tell you were using Tell me friendly things for cooking. Can't wait to try this one

[@Downshiftology]

Hope your kung pao chicken is a success!

[@FriendsFamilyKitchen]

🍽👩‍🍳This looks so good. I'm definitely giving this a try ❤

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@stevennapier6441]

Awesome luv this 😊

[@stevennapier6441]

Bless you

[@GrapinaticsPh]

Everytime I watched your videos, my cooking skills and recipes will improve..

[@lynnnelson6689]

Well, that was easy. Thanks.

[@markwilkins9048]

Nice recipe for Kung Pao, thank you Lisa. I would make one note though, you really don’t need to grind the peppercorns. The whole husk is perfectly fine as is, just try to remove the small black part if there are a few stragglers. You can also use Arbol chilis (found easily in most grocery stores) if you can’t find the Sichuan dried chilis. Love your vids, always look forward to your latest release.

[@Mr10Meg]

Yaaay! I know what I’m making tonight for dinner ❤😊

[@Downshiftology]

So excited for you to try this new kung pao chicken!

[@joanorr4001]

Delicious looking. I'm making this tomorrow. Thank you for these recipes. When are you making another cookbook? I love your first one!

[@Downshiftology]

Can't wait for you to try this recipe! As for a second cookbook, no plans yet on another one. But who knows what will happen in the near future! 😂

[@simplyemily7595]

First time making Kung pao and first time commenting on a cooking video haha... I just want to thank you for making such an informative and step by step video. Watched it all the way through. I will be making this tonight for the family ❤🎉

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you and your family enjoy this kung pao chicken!

[@jessicashenkir8807]

Thank you for sharing this. Just recently I tried making this using a different recipe and it did not taste anything like I had hoped. So I definitely want to give your recipe a try. I personally like it spicy 🔥😊

[@Downshiftology]

Hope this recipe turns out great for you! Keep us posted 😊

[@jocelynecomeau6572]

Thank you for your video

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy this new recipe.

[@babettevandenberg7638]

That looks delicious. Will need to get the spices first but will try to make it soon 💨😋

[@Downshiftology]

Once you gather all the ingredients, it's super easy! 😊

[@mariarohmer2374]

Loooove Kung Pao so much. Haven't a really good dish in many years. Also, that is the most massive bell pepper I've ever seen. Did you grow that beauty?

[@ronm6585]

Thanks. Spicy.

[@hansdampf4055]

I love Chinese dishes and the "Kung Pao" is a great dish. As always, very nicely explained and prepared. I roast the Sezchuan pepper briefly in oil and then take it out again and add it again at the end. The dry chili peppers look like my dried ones from the garden. With one difference: mine are "Habaneros"! If you nibble on it like in a movie, you'll be on fire.👍

[@Downshiftology]

Great tip on roasting the Sezchuan peppers briefly before! Will have to try that next time. But, hope you enjoy this recipe 😉

[@muzaaaaak]

The best part is taking a bite of the chili when you eat the chicken. Master endorphin rush!

[@mariavargas655]

Hola hermosa eso se ve delicioso 😋 ami me encanta el Kung pao chicken bendiciones lo prepararé 😋

[@yurimaperez1145]

Thank you!! 😘

[@Downshiftology]

You are so welcome! Enjoy this new kung pao chicken recipe 😉

[@rhamreyes7581]

Wow want that

[@Kzi83]

Enjoyed the recipe 👍🏼 If you want to use chopsticks to eat this meal, cook medium or short grain rice in a rice cooker- it’s stickier, thereby easier to pick up in clumps with chopsticks!

[@oleniss1929]

Our next meal😋

[@rosycarrisoza1984]

Excellent recipe and video! You are so organized and clear to explain the steps. One suggestion, it's not convenient to use spoons and spatulas made of metal on Teflon. It ends up peeling the Teflon and we consume it in the meal, I guess.

[@chezmoi42]

Yes, you are right, and that is why she was clear that she was using a seasoned steel wok. She also mentioned that it is not a good idea to use a Teflon wok, because the temperature needed for stir fry is too high to use it safely.

[@lisawagner459]

so delicious! Not too spicy is my choice

[@rickhiggins6521]

well done!

[@SridharPratik]

Tried this recipe for lunch today and I felt 1tsp sichuan peppercorn powder is a bit too much for the amount of chicken in the recipe. I would definitely tone it down to 1/4 tsp to avoid the peppercorns over powering the entire dish and touch of bitterness. Apart from that, the recipe is on point! Thanks for the video

[@Downshiftology]

You can always tweak the recipe to your liking, but glad you enjoyed this dish overall!

[@BoomerTiley]

I think I cut open most of my peppers and definitely used more than 8. ion another note, I do want ask if anyone else seen a lot of moisture when cooking the chicken? did I maybe over cook it? over all its a delicious recipe thanks again lisa.

[@Mujcanal]

I’m going to do this tonight

[@Downshiftology]

Hope it turns out great!

[@Mujcanal]

@@Downshiftology yes, it came super delicious, trick with velveting does the job, I can open now Chinese Restaurant :-) thank you Lisa.

[@jhuntsman17]

Made this and my family inhaled it. I ate it without rice and so delicious. Definitely going into regular rotation

[@Downshiftology]

Happy to hear the whole family enjoyed this recipe!

[@bouldergirl528]

Yum! I'll definitely put this on my meal plan. I'm a medium spicy lover, except for Mexican food, which I love hot hot hot. Caren

[@Downshiftology]

You'll love this recipe then! Can't wait for you to try.

[@Ramyapad19]

Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu and vegetable broth i never had kung pao chicken before perfect for my after office meals

[@Downshiftology]

Hope you love this!!

[@olayinapa]

As a lover of Asian food I have to try this. The problem will be the corn sauce that unless I buy it in the internet (Maybe Amazon?) I don't know where I can buy it. I like spicy food but not too hot. Have a nice day Lisa and thanks for this recipe.

[@chezmoi42]

Where do you live? Corn starch is used all over the world, but it's true, you need to know the local name for it. (I'm in France, where we buy Maïzena, a brand name for 'amidon de mais'.) You can google 'cornstarch in [your country]' to find the local name in your language; it should be available in every grocery store, in the baking section. It's indispensable for giving Asian dishes that silky clear thickened sauce.

[@olayinapa]

@@chezmoi42 In Spain we have Maizena here. It is easy to find. Thanks for the info!!!

[@chezmoi42]

@@olayinapa Yay, I'm glad I could help. Bon appétit!

[@slickrolls3708]

🐼 is incredible 😅

[@chrisspringer614]

Do you have a recipe for orange chicken? It's my favorite. Thanks!

[@emmamendy170]

What could I substitute the sherry or wine when making the coating the chicken in the beginning

[@suburbanhomesteadliving9212]

Numm numm❤

[@cheryl1205]

I didn't know "most people don't have a spice grinder". Educational, indeed

[@idamantashi8529]

I made this today, and it turned out really, really good. The sauce is excellent, but the chicken was a bit bland. I think I'll season the chicken more next time. I'll definitely make this again.

[@Downshiftology]

Glad you enjoyed this kung pao chicken! You can always season the chicken more if you'd like.

[@richabisht7309]

This chicken recipe is really good and i just love the way you have prepared this dish. thanks a lot for this and keep up the good work blessings from Planet ayurveda

[@Downshiftology]

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy this recipe 😊

[@sumeett1]

Hi, I thought velveting technique involves either the use of egg whites or Baking soda. Correct me if I’m wrong. Great recipe though 😊

[@jaquelingonzalez2174]

Kung pao is my favorite my husband can’t handle it 😅

[@Downshiftology]

Hahah! Maybe this recipe will change his mind? 😂

[@vanessaanjubault4056]

💜💜💜

[@maysaraali5772]

❤❤❤

[@lb4720]

I want to make this so bad. I have sherry cooking wine is that the same as dry sherry? Also, can I use regular soya sauce instead of tamari ?

[@Downshiftology]

Yes, you can use dry sherry! As for the tamari substitute, you can use soy sauce.

[@la4549]

Can i make this with shrimp instead of chicken? And how can I replace the wine since I don’t drink any alcohol

[@user-cd7fs2hh2u]

I am sure you can use prawns. Any alcohol will burn out in the cooking

[@FelixDonum]

Can also add diced cucumber and carrot in this dish

[@annabella7747]

I would like to request you can you please make a video on gluten free sourdough starter and bread recipe please

[@reesiezanga5232]

Is corn starch not gluten free? I notice you only use arrow root instead

[@Downshiftology]

I'm personally not a fan of using corn starch, which is why I use arrowroot instead 😊 But you can use corn starch if you'd like!

[@reesiezanga5232]

@@Downshiftology what is it that you don't care for? Curious as I love your quest for healthier eating

[@valerie4912]

You said “now let’s talk about woks” but I thought you meant walks 🚶🏻‍♀️😂 Would this work with coconut aminos?

[@travelchannel304]

Chicken thighs...yes.

[@calex9398]

💥💥💥💥💥👍👍

[@renuk3493]

Combine retinoid & copper peptides? 🤔

[@beamerUSA]

zucchini can be added to Kung Pao as most Chinese joints do that.

[@Downshiftology]

Traditional kung pao chicken actually doesn't have any veggies. But you can certainly add what you want 😊

[@mimosveta]

as if I'm gonna fish out the chilies

[@rosanezany1894]

Id like more chicken simple recipes, without so many souce. My father doesn't like thinks like that. Is it possible to Cooke chicken with amazing flavor?

[@kimh1462]

That Sambal must have been in the back of your fridge somewhere... i have not seen it in a grocery store in well over a year 😢

[@laishramdayananda3643]

Saleswoman 😂

[@ThuvarakaMahenthiran404]

You look beautiful & livebyoyr white tank top Lisa.

[@Downshiftology]

Aw, thanks for your kind words! ❤️

[@mateuspaour3481]

Great video, as always, from Lisa. Trump 2024, Never Surrender!

[@trumanhw]

Looks good BUT ... I'd strongly recommend adding both mushroom and zucchini.

[@watcher1245]

Remove the white parts of the bell peppers, it makes them bitter you doughnut. The green onion was sliced too thick and you use them to garnish the plate, don't cook it. Also the chicken is overcooked, that just makes it dry in comparison to the dish as a whole. Oh you forgot the lamb sauce too.

[@mudafaka-du3hr]

I'm gay

[@KatakBawang]

That is not kung pao chicken. 😂😂😂😂