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Kung Pao Chicken Recipe! (EASY)

June 25, 2013 By Heidi 19 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Give your chicken dinner a spectacular flavor upgrade with this over-the-top delicious Kung Pao Chicken Recipe!

Then… invite even more big flavors to your weeknight dinners with this crazy easy General Tso Chicken Recipe!

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

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Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

So are you on the hunt for the perfect crowd-pleasing chicken dinner??

This delightsome Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken dish is full of tasty gusto.

Katherine writes: "Amazing, just like take-out at home!"

Not only is this Kung Pao Chicken Recipe seriously delicious, it’s also a fabulously frugal alternative to the Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken takeout!

So skip the takeout this week, and learn how to make your favorite restaurant style takeout dish at home instead.

The delightful Kung Pao sauce bathes your chicken in sweet spice, heat, and zing… and finishes with a glorious tingle.

You’ll love serving it up over white rice, brown rice or fried rice for a perfect, satisfying finish!!

Here’s the best part.  You’re gonna be so pleasantly surprised by how crazy easy it is to create authentic kung pao chicken at home.

With just 6 simple ingredients, this easy Panda Express Copycat Recipe is a cinch to make!

Just follow these simple steps… and prepare to enjoy the spicy flood of sweet, satisfying flavor!

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Kung Pao Chicken Crockpot Recipe for Busy Nights

Is Kung Pao Chicken Healthy?

Yes it is.

This Kung Pao Chicken Recipe uses protein rich chicken breasts and fresh vegetables to create a tantalizing dish that is loaded with tastebud pleasing flavors and goodness.

Is Kung Pao Supposed To Be Spicy?

Kung Pao Sauce is fairly spicy.

So to help make this recipe more kid friendly, I have toned down the spice level by adding pineapple jam (or preserves).

To further decrease the spice level, simply use less sauce, while also increasing the amount of pineapple jam.

To increase the spice level, try using less pineapple jam.

Related: 30 Restaurant Copycat Recipes (Popular Secret Recipes)

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe Ingredients

It takes just 6 simple ingredients to make the BEST Kung Pao Chicken in your slow cooker!

Add the following to your next grocery list, so you have everything on hand to make yours…

  • Chicken Breasts – fresh or thawed
  • Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce
  • Pineapple Jam or Preserves – to add the perfect hint of sweetness
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Green Bell Pepper
  • Green Onions – for garnish

You’ll also need a 5 – 6 quart Crock Pot to get the job done.

That’s it.

You’ll need just a few ingredients to create this scrumptious chicken dinner!

Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

How To Make Kung Pao Chicken

It’s actually SO easy to make this dreamy Kung Pao Chicken in your slow cooker!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Cook the chicken in your crockpot, then drain and discard the juices.

2. Cube your chicken and bell peppers, then add back to the slow cooker.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over your chicken and continue cooking.

4. Once done, serve it topped with the optional chopped green onions.

That’s it. Just a few simple steps and you’re done!

Now it’s time to indulge… and enjoy every last delightful bite!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

How To Store Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can reheat the next day for another easy weeknight meal!

What to Serve with Kung Pao Chicken

There are so many delicious dinner sides you can serve along side this amazing slow cooked Kung Pao Chicken!

Here are just a few of my favorites…

  • White Rice
  • Brown Rice
  • Fried Rice
  • Cauliflower Rice
  • Udon Noodles
  • Chow Mein
  • Crab Rangoons
  • Cream Cheese Rangoons
  • Egg Rolls dipped in Ginger Soy Sauce
  • Spring Rolls
  • Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Ginger Soy Sauce Recipe

Kung Pao Chicken Reviews

Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this easy Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe…

One reader writes: “Such a delicious chicken recipe. Love it.”

Rebecca writes: “So good. I love that you can make it in the crockpot!”

Ashy writes: “Need to make again. Hubs loved it.”

Hannah writes: “One of the easiest crockpot recipes.  Feeds a crowd, great flavor!!”

Katherine writes: “Amazing, just like take-out at home!”

Jessica writes: “We really enjoyed this with some rice and broccoli. My kids even ate it!”

Kathy writes: “Yummy and easy”

Sherri writes: “Love how easy it is to make this dish!”

Courtney writes: “It was super good. We used pineapple and apricot preserve.  It didn’t disappoint.  It was really spicy.”


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Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

Give your chicken dinner a spectacular flavor upgrade with this over-the-top delicious Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken Recipe!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Author: The Frugal Girls

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts fresh or thawed
  • 18.75 ounces Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce (1 bottle)
  • ¼ cup Pineapple Jam or Preserves
  • 1 Red Pepper
  • 1 Green Pepper
  • 4 Green Onions chopped

Instructions

  • Cook chicken in Crockpot on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours. (covered)
  • After 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW, drain juices from Crockpot.
  • Remove chicken, slice and cube chicken, then return to Crockpot.
  • Chop Red Pepper and Green Pepper, and set aside.
  • Stir together Pineapple Preserves and Kung Pao Sauce in medium bowl.
  • Pour sauce mixture over chicken in Crockpot, add chopped Peppers, then stir well.
  • Cook on HIGH for 30 more minutes or until done. (covered)
  • Serve over cooked White Rice, Brown Rice, or Fried Rice, and garnish with chopped Green Onions. ENJOY!
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Asian

More Easy Crock Pot Dinner Recipes

That’s it ~ now wasn’t that easy?

So are you craving even more delicious and easy Copycat Dinner Recipes??  I’ve got more ideas I know you’re gonna love.

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Kick up the flavor and gain rave reviews when you also make this better-than-takeout Crock Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe!

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With just 5 easy ingredients, this Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe packs some serious nom nom good flavor!

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Just a little sweet and just a little sour… and absolutely delicious!  Is your chicken in need of a tasty makeover?

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So have you tried this Kung Pao Chicken Recipe yet?

Leave a comment & share…

Filed Under: Main Courses Sides, Recipes Tagged With: Asian Recipes, Chicken

Comments

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    • Christie says

      July 28, 2020 at 2:13 pm

      Yummy I love kung pao chicken and this recipe sounds so easy!!! I will definitely need to reference this when I make it. Thanks for sharing Heidi!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        July 28, 2020 at 4:43 pm

        Aww… you’re very welcome, Christie! It’s the perfect way to skip takeout and make your favorite dish at home… slow cooker style! 🙂

        Reply
    • Glenna says

      September 7, 2019 at 9:56 am

      Very tasty! I also fresh pineapple chunks towards the end of the recipe. My only challenge was finding a store that sold pineapple preserves.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 11, 2019 at 4:15 pm

        Hi Glenna ~ so glad to hear you liked it! I typically buy my pineapple preserves from Walmart… hope that helps!

        Reply
    • Carina says

      April 6, 2016 at 3:57 am

      How spicy is this recipe?

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        April 6, 2016 at 10:43 am

        Hi Carina ~ it’s definitely on the spicier side. If you’re looking for something a little less spicy, there are several more Asian Crockpot Recipes listed here: https://thefrugalgirls.com/easy-asian-recipes

        Hope that helps! 😉

        Reply
    • jana says

      January 4, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      Your meals for the crock pot are the best thing ever …..Please keep them coming…..I love them!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        January 4, 2016 at 3:10 pm

        Aww ~ thanks so much for the sweet comment, Jana! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Crock Pot recipes!! I’ve got many more coming soon, so so stay tuned!! 🙂

        Reply
    • Jessica says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:48 pm

      this was amazing!!!!! I can’t get over how easy it was! I added some chopped onion to ours and peanuts! Everyone had seconds and my husband was thrilled there was some left overs for lunch tomorrow! Thanks for posting!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        September 1, 2015 at 6:29 pm

        You’re very welcome, Jessica… I’m so glad everyone loved it! The chopped onions and peanuts sound like delicious additions, too… YUM! 🙂

        Reply
    • Angelli Mtz says

      August 31, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      How Do I cook the chicken? I only put it in there or do I need some herbs????

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        August 31, 2015 at 4:12 pm

        Hi Angelli ~ you’ll just cook the chicken by itself for the first 3 hours… nothing else is required, as it will end up cooking in its own juices. Hope that helps! 🙂

        Reply
    • Nicole says

      April 1, 2014 at 11:53 am

      This was delicious!!! Easily a replacement for ordering Chinese. And much much cheaper than Chinese To Go for 6!!!
      I added onions and celery since I had both and always looking for ways to add extra veggies. Someone mentioned adding peanuts. I thought that sounded good but then neglected to get them while at the store.
      I cooked the chicken the night before, cut it up into pieces, placed into Gladware along with the rest of the ingredients overnight. Threw into the crockpot together the next day while preparing the rice. (I prefer to cook multiple items while in the kitchen). The veggies still had some crunch which I prefer. My son said the exact opposite. If it were cooked longer or if the veggies were cooked before hand, it would make them softer.
      It is a lovely meal and one I will use frequently! I can’t wait to try more from you girls!!
      Thank you for sharing them!!
      Blessings!!
      Nicole

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        April 1, 2014 at 3:01 pm

        I’m so glad you liked it, Nicole! Isn’t it SO yummy? 😉

        Reply
    • Kira says

      March 6, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      This was very delicious! I couldn’t find pineapple preserves so I used orange marmalade and found it to be a great substitute.

      Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 18, 2014 at 11:03 am

      I couldn’t find pineapple preserves anywhere. Anything else I can use?

      Reply
    • Michelle Hamby says

      January 20, 2014 at 5:37 pm

      I made this for dinner tonight and it was really good and super easy to make. Thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        January 20, 2014 at 6:36 pm

        You’re very welcome, Michelle! I’m so glad you liked it! 😉

        Reply
    • Tina says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:04 pm

      4 out of 5 Spoons – i added almost a 1/2C of pineapple preserves – it really did help cut the ‘bitterness’ of the bottled sauce – might add some celery, next time – and don’t forget the peanuts for the top ! 😀 will make again !

      Reply

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    About Heidi Picture
    Hi, I'm Heidi... I'm so glad you're here! I'm the Frugal Girl living here in sunny AZ with my hubby, and love sharing Easy Recipes & Frugal Living Tips!
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