Better Than Panda Express Recipes
Although we don’t eat fast food often as a family, when we do, our go-to restaurant is almost always Panda Express. We are such big fans, in fact, we’ve made a few copycat recipes over the years to enjoy those flavors we love from the comfort of home. Have you tried our (Better Than) Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe yet? Life. Changing. We’re also big fans of this copycat Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry, Beijing Beef, and Panda Express Super Greens. Like our version of Orange Chicken and Black Pepper Chicken, this simple and authentic Kung Pao Chicken recipe tastes just like Panda Express’ famous dish, but better, because you have full quality control. It’s great to prepare with fresh steamed white rice for a terrifically spicy and satisfying dinner in under an hour!
What is Kung Pao Chicken?
Authentic Kung Pao is a Chinese stir fry dish that is brimming with veggies and bold spices in a spicy sauce. The heat comes from red chiles, also known as Tien Tsin peppers. The cubes of chicken are marinated in a salty and savory mixture of soy sauce, white wine, and brown sugar. Together they combine for a wonderful dish that has just the right level of spiciness and lots of fresh flavors. Even better: Our easy homemade version of Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken can be made as spicy as you like, or more on the mild side if you prefer.
What Ingredients You Will Need
To make the Kung Pao Chicken marinade you need:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces Corn starch – to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce later Soy Sauce – choose GF for a gluten-free dish Wine – your choice of Shaoxing wine, Mirin, or preferred white wine Brown Sugar – for a slightly sweet flavor to balance the spiciness
For the copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken sauce you need:
Oil – vegetable or peanut oil Red Bell Pepper – seeded and chopped Zucchini – chopped Scallions – green onions thinly sliced Peanuts – dry roasted Chinese Red Chiles – cut into segments Oyster Sauce – for the perfect savory, salty, umami flavor Soy Sauce – again, make sure it’s gluten-free for a GF-friendly recipe Sesame Oil – adds a great slightly earthy taste Garlic – minced Ginger – freshly grated Black Pepper – freshly ground
Plus white or brown rice for serving.
How to Make Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Get the Complete (Printable) Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy!
How can I make an even spicier Kung Pao Chicken Panda Express copycat recipe?
While this recipe has a good bit of kick to it as-is, feel free to add an extra dried red chili for even more delicious spiciness. If you can’t find Chinese dried peppers, you can substitute ½ – teaspoon crushed red pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just be sure to use a GF soy sauce and oyster sauce for a completely gluten-free-friendly dish.
What should I serve with homemade authentic Kung Pao Chicken?
Sauce and spicy Kung Pao Chicken is perfect to enjoy over a bed of freshly steamed white rice, hearty brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low carb dish. Serve with Panda Express Super Greens and Homemade Potstickers for a fabulous complete meal that’s better than any takeout.
How long will leftovers keep well?
This recipe is great to make ahead and include in your weekly meal plan! Leftovers will keep well for up to 4-5 days. Let the chicken and veggies cool completely before storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Looking for More Delicious Asian-Inspired Dinner Recipes?
Skinny Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Szechuan Beef Recipe Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe Chinese Hot Pot Recipe Asian Meatballs with Edamame Recipe Asian Salmon Recipe (Candied Salmon) Stir-Fried Asian Mushroom Recipe Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs Recipe (Better Than) Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express Super Greens (Copycat Recipe) (Better Than) Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
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