Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 360 min Total Time: 375 min
Yield: 4 servings Category: Dishes Cuisine: Chinese Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Description A weeknight favorite that delivers sweet-savory, slightly spicy flavors with minimal hands-on effort, featuring tender chicken and crunchy peanuts.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 6 – 10 dried red chili peppers (split and seeds removed)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 zucchini (cut into 1 -inch pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for finishing sauté, optional)
  • 1/3 cup peanuts
  • Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
  • Rice (for serving)
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Instructions

  1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, vegetable oil, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
  2. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker.
  3. Add bell pepper and zucchini, stirring to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
  5. Serve over rice, garnished with peanuts and green onions.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For a slightly caramelized edge, sear the chicken and vegetables briefly in a skillet after slow cooking. Optional: Use thighs for juicier results.