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A close-up shot of Kung Pao Chicken Noodles in a white bowl, showing the texture of the spicy Sichuan sauce on the noodles and chicken.

Kung Pao Chicken Noodles: A Fiery & Flavorful Recipe

This Kung Pao Chicken Noodles recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes. Featuring tender chicken, crisp veggies, and slurpable noodles in a classic spicy, sweet, and tangy Sichuan sauce, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese, Sichuan
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
For the Kung Pao Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar Chinese black vinegar
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground
For Assembly
  • 12 oz dried noodles spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 8 dried red chilies adjust to your spice preference
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 scallions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Wok or Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot For boiling noodles
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Instructions
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: Chinkiang vinegar, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Set aside.
  3. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add the dried red chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, followed by the chopped bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for about 1 minute.
  7. Add the cooked noodles and roasted peanuts to the wok. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced scallions.

Notes

For a milder version, use fewer dried red chilies or keep them whole.
Ensure all your ingredients are prepped before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is very fast.
You can substitute chicken breast, but thighs will yield a more tender result.
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