Kung Pao Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This slow cooked version simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken delivers all the deliciousness you crave.
Full Recipe:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, sauté the chicken pieces until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the browned chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and peanuts.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and water until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Stir to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a final stir. Serve the Kung Pao Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional peanuts and green onions if desired.
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 600mg