Description
These Kung Pao Chicken Noodles are a fast, flavor-packed dinner made with tender chicken, saucy noodles, and a spicy-sweet kick. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Base / Chicken
12 ounces noodles of choice
1 pound chicken breast
2 tablespoons low sodium tamari (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
½ cup diced green onion (mostly white parts)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Sauce
½ cup low sodium tamari (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
⅓ cup crushed peanuts
⅓ cup diced green onion (mostly green parts)
Instructions
Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Add to a bowl with soy sauce, honey, and chili paste. Mix and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Cook noodles in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Whisk together all sauce ingredients except water and cornstarch.
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add diced white onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add chicken (discard marinade) to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
In a small saucepan, warm sauce over low heat. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to sauce. Let it thicken.
Add noodles to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in cooked chicken and let flavors combine for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with crushed peanuts and green onion. Serve warm—optionally with broccoli or bell peppers.
Notes
For less spice, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a juicier result.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free tamari and noodles.
Great with veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg