Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Make restaurant-quality Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe using peanuts, chicken thighs, and a savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 4-6 dried red chilies, deseeded
- 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chicken broth to create the sauce base.
- 2
In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture until smooth, then stir this slurry back into the sauce bowl.
- 3
Pat the chicken thigh pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with white pepper and salt.
- 4
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 5
Working in batches, add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on the outside; transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- 6
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok and stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 7
Add the dried red chilies to the wok and toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 8
Return all the cooked chicken to the wok and stir to combine with the aromatics.
- 9
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.
- 10
Add the roasted peanuts and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and distribute evenly.
- 11
Remove from heat and fold in the green onions and red pepper flakes, reserving some green onions for garnish.
- 12
Taste and adjust seasonings with additional soy sauce, vinegar, or Sriracha as desired for your preferred balance of salty, sour, and spicy.
- 13
Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice, or with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | Chicken thighs contain more collagen and fat, making them more tender and flavorful while remaining a lean protein source with better nutrient density including iron and B vitamins |
| Regular soy sauce (high sodium) | Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari | Reduces sodium content by 40% while maintaining umami depth; better for heart health and reducing inflammation markers associated with excess sodium |
| White sugar | Honey or coconut sugar | Provides natural sweetness with additional micronutrients and a lower glycemic index, reducing blood sugar spikes and supporting better metabolic health |
| Peanut oil or vegetable oil | Sesame oil or avocado oil | Avocado oil has a higher smoke point (520°F) for healthier high-heat cooking and contains more polyphenols; sesame oil provides anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Dried red chilies | Fresh serrano or Thai bird's eye chilies | Fresh chilies contain more capsaicin and active anti-inflammatory compounds that are preserved better in fresh form; higher vitamin C content |
| Roasted peanuts in oil | Raw or dry-roasted unsalted peanuts | Eliminates added oils and sodium while preserving resveratrol and polyphenols that reduce inflammation; lower oxidative stress from excess processing |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 40g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
