Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken offers a simple, hands-off way to enjoy the classic flavors of spicy, sweet, and savory Chinese cuisine. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the work while you prepare other things or relax.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cubed chicken and chopped bell peppers into the crockpot evenly.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour this mixture over the chicken and peppers in the crockpot.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, add the peanuts. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the crockpot at this time.
- Step 5: Stir gently to mix the sauce and peanuts, then cover and finish cooking for the remaining time.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers before cooking.
- Swap bell peppers for zucchini or snap peas to vary the vegetables.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra moisture and flavor.
Is it necessary to add cornstarch?
No, cornstarch is optional. Use it if you want a thicker sauce. Otherwise, the sauce will be thinner but still delicious.
PrintCrockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of the classic Chinese takeout dish with minimal effort. Tender chicken breast and crisp bell peppers slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and honey, finished with crunchy peanuts for texture. Perfect for a hands-off meal that yields a satisfying and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Others
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
- Water (for dissolving cornstarch, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cubed chicken breast and chopped bell peppers into the crockpot, distributing evenly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
- Add Sauce to Crockpot: Pour the mixed sauce over the chicken and peppers in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Peanuts and Thicken Sauce (Optional): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the peanuts. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the crockpot at this time, stirring well.
- Final Stir and Serve: Once cooking is complete, give the dish a good stir to combine all ingredients and serve hot over rice or noodles as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh bell peppers for the best texture; you can mix colors like red, yellow, or green.
- Adjust honey amount to control sweetness to your preference.
- Adding cornstarch is optional but recommended for a thicker sauce.
- For more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili in the sauce mixture.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keywords: Kung Pao Chicken, Crockpot Chicken Recipe, Slow Cooker Kung Pao, Easy Chinese Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken
