Name: Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 9 oz boneless chicken breast, sliced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour); 2 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce; 2 tsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder; 1 tsp cornstarch (cornflour); 1/3 cup water; 7 oz noodles; 2 tbsp olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for chicken frying, 1 tbsp for stir-fry); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped; 2 scallions (white part chopped, green part cut into 2-inch sticks); 8-10 dried red chilies; 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts; Chopped peanuts (for garnish); Sliced scallion greens (for garnish)

If you adore the bold and vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine but want to enjoy a comforting, noodle-based meal at home, you are going to fall head over heels for this Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe. This dish brings together tender, marinated chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a luscious, spicy sauce brimming with umami, tang, and just the right kick of heat. The crunch of roasted peanuts and the aromatic punch of Sichuan peppercorns elevate every bite, making this recipe a deliciously addictive meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows raw pieces of light pink meat placed inside a white bowl, layered with a mix of white powder and dark ground spices evenly sprinkled over the meat, creating a contrast between the pale meat and the speckled seasoning. The second image shows a white pot with boiling water where light beige thin noodle strands are being cooked, partially submerged and swirling in the clear, bubbling water. The scene has a clean, simple look with a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture starts with simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer to the Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe, from the tender chicken breast to the spicy dried chilies and fresh scallions, making your cooking experience both straightforward and rewarding.

Boneless chicken breast: Sliced thin for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Provides umami saltiness, a staple in many Asian dishes.
Cornstarch: Creates a silky coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Olive oil: Used for frying, it helps sear the chicken and release delicious flavors.
Dark soy sauce: Contributes a deeper, richer color and flavor to the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds natural sweetness and savory complexity.
Sriracha sauce: Brings a smoky heat without overpowering other flavors.
White vinegar: Balances richness with its bright acidity.
Brown sugar: Lends subtle sweetness that mellows the spiciness.
Chicken bouillon powder: Intensifies the savory notes of the sauce.
Water: Used to adjust the sauce consistency just right.
Noodles: 7 oz, cooked al dente to provide chewy texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the oil with its bold aroma and flavor.
Ginger: Finely chopped for a sharp, fresh spiciness that wakes up the palate.
Scallions: Both white and green parts, contributing crunch and a fresh, oniony lift.
Dried red chilies: Essential for authentic heat and a smoky fragrance.
Sichuan peppercorns: Lightly crushed to give that famous numbing sensation along with citrus notes.
Roasted peanuts: Added for toasty crunch and a nutty contrast to the saucy noodles.
Chopped peanuts and sliced scallion greens: Garnishes that bring color, texture, and extra flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade not only flavors the chicken deeply but also tenderizes it, helping to achieve that luscious texture we all crave in kung pao dishes. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you move on to prepping other parts of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook the noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. This slight firmness ensures they won’t become mushy once tossed with the sauce. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ready to soak up the savory Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe sauce later.

Step 3: Prepare the Kung Pao Sauce

Whisk together a blend of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, white vinegar, brown sugar, chicken bouillon powder, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This harmonious sauce is the heart of the recipe, balancing sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes that give Kung Pao Chicken Noodles their unforgettable flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. This step seals in juiciness and creates a slightly crispy surface that enhances the dish’s texture.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics and Peanuts

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic, chopped ginger, white part of the scallions, and dried red chilies. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell their enticing fragrance filling your kitchen. Then add the roasted peanuts and toast them for another few minutes, which deepens their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Combine Sauce, Noodles, and Chicken

Lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Let it simmer gently until it thickens and begins to bubble, then add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together so each noodle and chicken piece is deliciously coated with the sauce. This step is key for melding all the flavors into one harmonious dish.

Step 7: Final Touches

Turn off the heat and stir in the green scallion sticks. This addition gives a fresh burst of onion flavor and a pop of color. Give everything one last toss and your Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe is ready to wow everyone at your table!

Step 8: Serve Hot with Garnishes

Plate the noodles immediately and sprinkle generously with chopped peanuts and sliced scallion greens. This final flourish adds extra texture and vibrant visual appeal, making every bite a feast for the senses.

How to Serve Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe

A black frying pan contains a mix of thick beige noodles, some coated with a dark brown sauce sitting at the center, surrounded by golden brown cooked pieces of meat scattered around the edges. Small yellow peanuts and thin white shredded cheese are sprinkled throughout, with tiny green bits adding a touch of color. A metal spaghetti serving tool is positioned in the pan, holding a cluster of noodles. The surface beneath the pan is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the chopped peanuts and scallion greens, consider a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few extra dried chilies for those who love a bolder spice level. These subtle touches can elevate your serving presentation and deepen flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe pairs amazingly well with simple sides like steamed bok choy, sautéed green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad. These offer refreshing contrasts to the warm, spicy noodles and keep your meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, try serving the noodles in individual bowls with a wedge of lime on the side for a citrusy burst. Or plate the noodles over a bed of baby greens for a fusion-style twist. Either way, presentation can make your homemade Kung Pao Chicken Noodles feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Kung Pao Chicken Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the noodles slightly separate from garnishes until serving helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the noodles may change texture after thawing and reheating. If you do freeze, separate portions into freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and consume within one month for best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can make the noodles tough.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional wheat noodles work beautifully, you can experiment with rice noodles or even soba for different textures and flavors. Just remember to cook them al dente to absorb the sauce well.

What if I don’t have Sichuan peppercorns?

Sichuan peppercorns bring a unique numbing sensation essential to authentic Kung Pao flavors, but if you can’t find them, you can omit or substitute with a small pinch of ground black pepper and a splash of lemon juice for a hint of citrus brightness.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The recipe offers a moderate level of spice thanks to dried red chilies and sriracha sauce. You can adjust the heat up or down easily by adding more or fewer chilies based on your personal taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, swap the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and replace oyster sauce with a vegan alternative. These changes still deliver deliciousness while keeping the essence of the Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe.

How long does the entire cooking process take?

From start to finish, this Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe takes around 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about making and sharing a homemade dish bursting with layers of flavor like this Kung Pao Chicken Noodles Recipe. It’s approachable, packed with tasty ingredients, and delivers that crave-worthy combination of spicy, sweet, and savory you just can’t resist. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and watch it become one of your favorite meals to whip up anytime you want a little culinary adventure in your kitchen.