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Kung Pao Chicken Noodles: A Flavorful, Beginner-Friendly Dish

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🥢✨ Bring the heat with Kung Pao Chicken Noodles! 🍜💥 This beginner-friendly dish combines tender chicken, veggies, and peanuts in a perfectly spiced sauce, tossed with noodles for the ultimate comfort meal. 🌶️💛 Easy to make and packed with bold flavors, it’s a delicious way to elevate your dinner game! 🎉

#KungPaoChickenNoodles #BoldAndFlavorful #AsianInspiredDishes #BeginnerRecipes #SpicyGoodness #QuickAndDelicious #NoodleGoals #WeeknightDinnerIdeas #EasyComfortFood #ChickenAndNoodles 🍜🥢💥

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces of noodles of choice:
    • Suggested: Rice noodles, brown rice udon, or regular spaghetti.
    • Alternative: Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • 1 pound chicken breast:
    • Alternative: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture or substitute with tofu or beef strips for variety.
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce:
    • Alternative: Coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon honey:
    • Alternative: Agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option if using tofu.
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste:
    • Suggested: Sambal oelek or any preferred chili paste.
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil:
    • No alternatives here—this adds a distinct nutty flavor.
  • ½ cup diced green onion:
    • Focus on the white part for the base.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic:
    • Fresh garlic is best, but garlic paste works in a pinch.

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce:
    • Remember to halve the quantity if using regular soy sauce to avoid excess salt.
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter:
    • Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar:
    • Alternative: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste:
    • Adjust to taste for spice tolerance.
  • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar:
    • Use 1 tablespoon for a more savory dish or 2 for a sweeter version.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger:
    • Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a more robust flavor.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes:
    • Optional for those sensitive to spice.
  • 3 tablespoons water.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch:
    • Essential for thickening the sauce.

For Garnish:

  • ⅓ cup crushed peanuts:
    • Adds crunch and a nutty finish.
  • ⅓ cup diced green onion:
    • Use the green part for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each.
  • In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce/tamari, honey, and chili paste. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-2 hours will give better flavor.

2. Cook the Noodles

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except the water and cornstarch.
  • Separately, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will be added later to thicken the sauce.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat the sesame oil (from the base/chicken section) in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced white part of the green onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

5. Cook the Chicken

  • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Finish the Sauce

  • Pour the prepared sauce into a pot and heat over low heat.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Combine the Ingredients

  • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken.
  • Pour the thickened sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well-coated.

8. Garnish and Serve

  • Top the dish with crushed peanuts and the diced green part of the green onion.
  • Serve immediately, with optional sides like steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for added veggies.

Notes

  • Cooking Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
  • Adjusting Spice: If the dish feels too spicy, balance it with an extra teaspoon of honey or a splash of coconut milk.
  • Efficient Prep: While the chicken marinates, chop your veggies, and prepare the sauce ingredients to save time.
  • Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Drain the noodles a minute earlier than the package suggests since they’ll continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
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