Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

A lighter version of classic Kung Pao chicken made with tender chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a simple sweet and spicy sauce. This easy stir fry is ready in about 25 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknight meals.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 340kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon sesame oil divided
4 garlic cloves finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated or finely chopped
1 bell pepper red, yellow, or orange, chopped
2 green onions sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cooked brown rice for serving
Crushed peanuts for topping (optional)

SAUCE

¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
1 to 2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
2 teaspoons chili paste sambal oelek or sriracha
1 teaspoon arrowroot powder

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, chili paste, and arrowroot powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Heat half of the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Add bell pepper, green onions, and broccoli. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens and coats everything evenly. Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm over brown rice. Top with crushed peanuts and extra chili sauce if more heat is preferred.

Notes

Sweetness level: One tablespoon of honey gives a balanced flavor, but you can increase it to two tablespoons if a sweeter sauce is preferred.
Thickening options: Arrowroot powder helps the sauce thicken slightly, but cornstarch can be used instead. The sauce can also be made without a thickener; it will be thinner but still flavorful.
Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave, and add a small splash of water if the sauce needs loosening.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition