Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken - the perfect easy pressure cooker recipe to curb that takeout craving for busy weeknights. Best of all, this popular favorite is made healthier with the same classic sweet and spicy flavors as your local Chinese restaurant.
Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken - the perfect easy pressure cooker recipe to curb that takeout craving for busy weeknights. Best of all, this popular favorite is made healthier with the same classic sweet and spicy flavors as your local Chinese restaurant.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- lunch containers
- 2/3 cup roasted cashews (or roasted peanuts)
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes
- cornstarch slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (use arrowroot powder for paleo)
- 1 - 1 1/4 lbs boneless (skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 3-4 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- **4 - 6 dried red chili peppers (to taste found i
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 zucchini (chopped into halves)
- sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnis
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten free tamari or c
- 4 tablespoons honey (use swerve or stevia for low carb)
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (leave out for low carb or use glute
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (use arrowroot powder for paleo)
- for meal prep
- cooked rice (cauliflower rice zoodles, quinoa or noodles)
- Carbohydrate 0.106402708333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.00463291666666667 g
- Fiber 0.0171770833333333 g
- Protein 0.012065625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00128041666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (45g)
- Sodium 1.70629166766841 mg
- Sugar 0.089225625 g
- Trans Fat 0.00123291666666667 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn Instant Pot to SAUTE (skip this step and just cook on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) for 5 minutes if you are in a pinch or prefer. The chicken won't have that crispy coating.)
- Allow pan to heat up for a few minutes then add oil.
- Cook chicken in batches (placing the browned chicken on a paper-towel lined plate) about 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
- Once all the chicken is browned, add back to the Instant Pot and pour sauce over top.
- Close and seal Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
- Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) and set for 3 minutes.
- Once the 3 minutes is up and the Instant Pot beeps, allow to naturally release for 15-20 minutes.
- Open lid and transfer chicken to a large serving plate or bowl.
- Return inner pot back to the Instant Pot.
- Press the SAUTE button and add additional oil as needed.
- Toss in the zucchini, bell peppers and dried red chili peppers.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender.
- Combine the cornstarch with water and stir into the Instant Pot.
- Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken up.
- Return chicken back to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions and serve over rice, quinoa or zoodles, if desired.
My Weeknight Savior: Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
Let's be honest, juggling work, family, and a social life leaves little time for elaborate cooking. Weeknights often find me craving flavorful, satisfying meals without the hour-long prep and cook times. That's where my Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken comes in – a lifesaver for busy evenings!
This recipe isn't just convenient; it's incredibly versatile. I often adapt it based on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I swap out the zucchini for broccoli, or add some snap peas for extra crunch. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. You can tailor the spice level to your liking, too – more chili flakes for those who enjoy a fiery kick, or less for a milder flavor. And the best part? It's healthier than takeout, without sacrificing that delicious, authentic Kung Pao taste.
The flavors are simply incredible. The sweet and savory sauce perfectly balances the heat from the chili peppers, creating a complex and satisfying taste. The tender chicken is infused with the aromatic ginger and garlic, and the crunchy cashews add a delightful textural contrast. I usually serve this over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It's also amazing served with noodles!
I've found that meal prepping this dish is a game-changer. I often make a double batch on the weekend, portioning it into individual containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. This saves me so much time and ensures I always have a healthy and delicious option ready to go. No more resorting to unhealthy convenience meals!
The entire process is incredibly straightforward. The Instant Pot does most of the work, freeing up my precious time to focus on other things. It’s perfect for those days when I need a comforting, flavorful meal on the table fast, without sacrificing quality or taste. I’ve shared this recipe with friends and family, and it's always a huge hit. Everyone loves the ease, convenience and amazing flavor. Give it a try and I know you'll agree!
Beyond the incredible taste and convenience, making this dish is a small act of self-care. It’s a way to nourish myself and my family with a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In our busy lives, that little bit of time saved is invaluable. This recipe represents a balance between healthy eating, delicious food, and a manageable lifestyle.
Tips and Tricks for Kung Pao Success:
- Don't skip the browning step! While it adds a few extra minutes, it really makes a difference in the texture and flavor of the chicken.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. Start with less chili flakes and add more to taste.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ginger and garlic add a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Meal prep for the week! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
- Get creative with your sides! Serve over rice, quinoa, zoodles, or even noodles.
This Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken isn't just a recipe; it's a solution for busy weeknights, a shortcut to deliciousness, and a testament to the power of simple, satisfying meals. Enjoy!
