Kung Pao Chicken Noodles
Introduction
Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure with Kung Pao Chicken Noodles—a spectacular fusion of classic Chinese stir-fry and the comforting slurp of noodles. This recipe delivers an irresistible combination: tender chicken, vibrant veggies, crunchy peanuts, and chewy noodles all smothered in a kicky, sweet-savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that satisfies every craving for takeout flavor right at home.
Why Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Are Unbeatable
There’s no denying the universal appeal of Kung Pao Chicken: its dynamic flavors and bold, aromatic sauce win over every crowd. Now, imagine all of these elements paired with silky noodles. The result is doubly delicious and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick upgrade to your dinner rotation, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Prepping Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Great Kung Pao Chicken Noodles start with skillful prep. Dice chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces for optimal tenderness and flavor absorption. The classic medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and green onions adds color and crunch. Save time and ensure consistent cuts with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which makes dicing vegetables both quick and safe.
Using a sturdy bamboo board such as the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 ensures an even chop and protects your knives. Meanwhile, gathering all your sauce ingredients ahead of time makes the stir-frying process efficient and stress-free.
Stir-Frying Like a Pro
The quick-cook method of stir-frying is essential for Kung Pao perfection. Reach for a high-quality nonstick pan such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, which ensures even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
First, cook the marinated chicken until golden and just cooked through. Next, toss the vegetables in the same pan to maintain the flavorful browned bits, returning the chicken to the mix before introducing the noodles and sauce. Toss vigorously, so every strand gets a glossy, spicy coat.
How to Make the Perfect Noodles
Rice noodles or wheat noodles both work well—just cook until al dente and toss immediately with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. You can use the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll on your prep counter to set out strained noodles and prepared veggies, keeping your space tidy and organized.
Don’t be shy with peanuts or cashews for a crunch, and serve with fresh green onions or cilantro for a refreshing finish. Pack up any leftovers with the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for an enviable next-day lunch.
Serving Ideas and Extras
Kung Pao Chicken Noodles shine all on their own but pair beautifully with chilled cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or an icy drink. For those who love a little extra heat, set out chili oil or Szechuan pepper flakes. If you’d like, garnish with more peanuts and freshly chopped herbs before diving in!
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
This recipe makes 4 substantial servings, with each portion offering about 500–550 calories, depending on your noodle choice and amount of oil used. Rich in protein, vegetables, and bold flavor, it’s a balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.
Deliciously Simple Kung Pao Chicken Noodles (Recap)
Combining irresistible sauce, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles, Kung Pao Chicken Noodles are the answer to your takeout cravings—with a fresher, healthier, and more customizable twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Toss diced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep veggies using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speed and uniformity.
- In a small bowl, combine all Kung Pao sauce ingredients, making sure the cornstarch dissolves completely.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining oil, garlic, ginger, chilies/chili flakes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until veggies are just tender-crisp. Return chicken to the pan along with peanuts and green onions.
- Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, mixing well. Add cooked noodles and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and clings to every bite. If needed, add splash of chicken broth for a silkier texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions, cilantro, and chili oil as desired. Pack leftovers in the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for maximum freshness.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Enjoy bold, delicious flavor in every forkful—crunchy, saucy, spicy Kung Pao Chicken Noodles are your new go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing meals!