Best Easy Rice with Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Spicy kung pao chicken with peanuts is served over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying family meal. High in protein and packed with bold Sichuan flavors, this dish never disappoints.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 560 kcal
#high protein #asian #rice bowl #chicken #spicy
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1.5 lbs
  • cooked white rice 4 cups
  • roasted unsalted peanuts 0.5 cup
  • red bell pepper 1 piece
  • zucchini 1 piece
  • green onions 4 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 5 tbsp
  • Sichuan peppercorns 1 tsp
  • dried red chilies 6 pieces
  • rice vinegar 2 tbsp
  • cornstarch 2 tsp
  • sugar 2 tsp
  • sesame oil 1 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • ginger 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 61 g 44%
Protein 32 g 23%
Fat 20 g 33%
Serving size 370g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and the cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil, then toast Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies for about 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Add the marinated chicken to the pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until no longer pink.

  4. 4

    Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry for 2 more minutes, maintaining high heat to prevent steaming.

  5. 5

    Pour in the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Toss in the roasted peanuts and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to glaze everything and blend flavors.

  6. 6

    Serve the kung pao chicken hot over bowls of steamed white rice.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Rice with Kung Pao Chicken Recipe?
The foundation of this dish is boneless skinless chicken breast, which is stir-fried with classic kung pao seasoning. The combination of chicken, toasted peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried red chilies defines the signature texture and bold flavor.
Q. How can I get the perfect balance of flavors in the kung pao sauce?
For an authentic kung pao profile, carefully measure your soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toasting peppercorns and chilies first releases bold aromatics, and adding sugar and vinegar at the end ensures a glossy, tangy glaze that doesn’t burn.
Q. How do I keep the chicken tender without overcooking?
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate with soy sauce and cornstarch for a short time, and cook it quickly over high heat. This method seals in moisture and prevents overcooking, resulting in juicy, tender chicken throughout.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for this dish?
Each serving (approximately 370g) contains about 560 kcal, with 61g of carbohydrates (44% of calories), 32g of protein (23%), and 20g of fat (33%), making it a high-protein and balanced meal option.
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