Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery Sichuan dish with tender chicken, crispy peanuts, and a numbing Sichuan peppercorn sauce. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, dried Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and marinate in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp peanut oil in a wok over high heat. Add 3 dried chilies and 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, stir-fry until fragrant and slightly charred (about 30 seconds).
  3. Step 3: Add chicken cubes and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until nearly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp peanut oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp water. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 100g crushed peanuts and 1 tbsp sesame seeds until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the wok, toss to coat in the sauce, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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