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Takeout-Style Kung Pao Chicken

Microwave Kung Pao Chicken cooked in an Anyday dish—tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and peppers in a savory, spicy sauce, all made quickly in the microwave.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

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Takeout-Style Kung Pao Chicken

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Recreate this takeout classic at home—in less time than it takes to decide which restaurant to order from! Use an Anyday dish to steam tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables in a spicy-sweet kung pao sauce. The microwave handles all the heavy lifting, so there’s no need for a wok or stovetop juggling. Perfect for busy weeknights or when your craving for takeout hits hard. Grab some rice, get your chopsticks ready, and let the microwave do its magic!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

For the sauce


  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup chicken stock or water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

For the chicken


  • 2 boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup (30g) diced red pepper
  • ½ cup (70g) chopped celery or zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon toasted and unsalted  peanuts, chopped
  • White rice, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place sauce ingredients in an Anyday dish and stir to combine. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Be sure to stir well, as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.
  3. Stir in the chicken, red pepper, and zucchini or celery. Continue cooking (covered) in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir halfway through to ensure the chicken is coated in the sauce as it cooks.
  4. Stir to mix the chicken with the sauce. Top with chopped peanuts and serve with white rice, if desired.

Suggestions

  • Wrap it up: Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. Add a bit of crunch with toasted peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  • Serve it over rice: Enjot is with steamed white or brown rice.
  • Serve with noodles: Serve over a bed of ramen noodles for a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic dish.
  • Top it off: Sprinkle toasted nuts and fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of flavor and color.
  • Discover more chicken recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • Make this recipe nut-free by omitting the peanuts. Try sunflower seeds or sesame seeds instead!
  • It's important to start the sauce first so that it can thicken before adding the chicken and vegetables. The sauce may seem thick, but the moisture released by the chicken and vegetables will create a  beautifully silky sauce.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Kung Pao Chicken in the Microwave

What is Kung Pao Chicken?

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Traditionally flavored with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and peanuts, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavors perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken in the microwave?

Yes, you can make Kung Pao Chicken in the microwave! This recipe is designed for the microwave and cooks beautifully in an Anyday dish. The silicone-lined lid locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and the vegetables cook to crisp-tender perfection, all while cutting down on cooking time. There's no need to pre-heat a work or use oil in this stovetop-free version!

Can I use other vegetables in Kung Pao Chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for red pepper and zucchini or celery, you can substitute with snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time slightly to match the texture of the vegetables you choose. You can also use frozen vegetables! Just note that they will release extra liquid and may thin out the sauce.

How do I store leftover Kung Pao Chicken?

Once cooled, cover the Anyday dish with the lid and refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness and flavor of the dish.

Can I freeze Kung Pao Chicken?

Yes, Kung Pao Chicken freezes well! Once cooled, portion it into our Anytime Freezer Trays or store it directly in an Anyday dish with the lid on. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for a quick and flavorful meal. For more freezing and reheating tips, visit our blog on How to Freeze and Reheat Food in the Microwave.

What’s the best way to reheat Kung Pao Chicken?

To reheat from the fridge, place the dish in the microwave, cover with the lid, and heat on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, add the frozen portions into an Anyday dish and microwave on full power for 3-5 minutes, stirring as needed to ensure even heating. For tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog on How to Freeze and Reheat Food in the Microwave.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure all other ingredients, such as the chicken stock and cornstarch, are gluten-free.

Can I make Kung Pao Chicken vegetarian?

Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based protein alternative. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables, like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas, to make it more hearty. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the sauce, and adjust seasonings to taste.

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