One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

This One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken is a weeknight winner! We’re taking all those bold and savory Kung Pao flavors and making them even easier with ground chicken, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. This dish is packed with tender ground chicken, crisp vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy, savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a faster and simpler take on a classic Chinese takeout favorite, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken:

• Neutral oil: Such as vegetable or canola oil, used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Ground chicken: Provides a lean and flavorful protein source.
• Red bell pepper: Finely diced, it adds sweetness and color.
• Zucchini: Finely diced, it adds a tender texture and subtle flavor.
• Green onions: Chopped, with white and green parts separated, they add a fresh onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic cloves: Minced, they add a fragrant touch.
• Ground ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: Adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty and fragrant aroma.
• Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine: Adds a depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry or mirin.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
• Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Whisked with water, it thickens the sauce to a beautiful glaze.
• Dry roasted peanuts: Crushed, they add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken

1. Place a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add one tablespoon of neutral oil to the pan.
2. Add the ground chicken to the hot pan and let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing a crust to form.
3. Break the chicken apart with a spatula or wooden spoon and continue cooking until it’s cooked through, about 2-3 more minutes.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the remaining neutral oil to the pan.
2. Add the finely diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the pan.
3. Cook the vegetables for about 2 minutes, or until they are slightly softened and caramelized.

Step 3: Make the Kung Pao Sauce

1. Add the white parts of the chopped green onions to the pan, reserving the green parts for later.
2. Add the crushed red pepper, ground ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to the pan.
3. Return the cooked ground chicken to the pan.
4. Cook the mixture briefly, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch/water mixture.
6. Cook the sauce, stirring or tossing almost constantly, until it thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 4: Serve

1. Stir in the reserved green parts of the green onions.
2. Transfer the Kung Pao Chicken to a serving dish and top with the crushed peanuts.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

How to Serve

• Main course: This One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and satisfying main course on its own.
• With rice: Serve it with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With noodles: You can also serve it with noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Kung Pao Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, ground pork, or even tofu.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or water chestnuts.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it altogether.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them and make the sauce.

Enjoy this quick, easy, and flavorful One-Pan Ground Kung Pao Chicken!

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