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Homemade Kung Pao Chicken Noodles photo

Kung Pao Chicken Noodles

This Kung Pao Chicken Noodles dish is bursting with flavor! Enjoy tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and spicy noodles in a tangy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 12 ounces noodles cooked according to package directions, drained and set aside
  • ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup hoisin sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed; or to taste
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or as desired
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (called a slurry)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts optional
  • 1 to 2 green onions sliced into thin rounds or on the bias into segments; optional
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional and to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cooking pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. If using, sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds on top for garnish.

Notes

  • Adjust the level of chili garlic sauce according to your spice tolerance.
  • Don't skip the cornstarch slurry as it helps thicken the sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly for food safety.