A Go-To Weeknight Stir-Fry That Actually Delivers

Kung Pao Chicken is one of those dishes I used to save for takeout nights, bold, spicy, a little sweet, and always satisfying. But once I started cooking it at home, I realized how easy it is to keep all that flavor while making it lighter and more weeknight-friendly. This recipe is part of my Quick & Easy Weeknight Recipes collection.

This healthy Kung Pao chicken comes together fast and leans on good stir-fry technique rather than heavy sauces. Cooking the chicken first, then building the sauce right in the pan, keeps everything tender and flavorful without excess oil. Crunchy celery, red bell pepper, and peanuts add texture, while a simple mix of soy sauce, honey, and sriracha brings it all together.

One of the things I love most about stir-fries like this is how flexible they are. Once you get comfortable with the flow—sear, remove, build, finish—you can swap proteins, vegetables, or sauces based on what’s in your fridge.

If you’re trying to eat a little lighter without giving up bold flavor, this Kung Pao chicken is a great place to start. It’s proof that healthy dinners don’t have to feel boring—or complicated.

If you’re in the mood for more quick dinners, these are worth bookmarking:

• Easy Fish Taco Bowls (20-Minute Dinner) – This fish taco bowl is a quick, high-protein meal made with seasoned fish, crunchy slaw, and a simple spicy mayo
• Simple & Fast Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps – These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are simple, fast, and protein-packed
• Quick Honey Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry – simple, balanced, and perfect for busy nights
• 15-Minute Ground Turkey Veggie Stir Fry – lean, fast, and easy to customize
• Garlic Spinach & Mushroom Chicken Skillet – clean flavors with just enough richness
• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Bowls (High-Protein & Weeknight Easy) – super easy, fast, and delicious
• Add High-Fiber Mediterranean Veggie Wrap (Quick & Healthy) to your rotation; it won’t disappoint, and is a lot healthier than take-out

Lightened-Up Kung Pao Chicken (Weeknight Style)

308kcal

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Total 25 minutes mins

This lighter take on Kung Pao Chicken delivers bold, classic flavors without the heaviness. Tender chicken breast is stir-fried with crunchy peanuts, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-heat sauce made with soy sauce, sriracha, and honey. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for busy week nights when you’re craving takeout vibes at home.

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Servings 2

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients

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• ▢ 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped
• ▢ 2 tsp sesame oil, divided
• ▢ 1 garlic clove, minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp peanuts, chopped
• ▢ 1 green onion, chopped
• ▢ 1/2 tsp ginger, minced
• ▢ 1 celery rib, chopped
• ▢ 1/2 red pepper. chopped
• ▢ 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• ▢ 2/1/2 tsp sriracha
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp honey
• ▢ pepper to taste, Don't skimp here, it makes a difference

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Instructions

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1. Use 1 tsp sesame oil in a pan
2. Add chicken and brown, about 5 minutes
3. Add ginger & garlic, cook for 2 – 3 minutes more
4. Remove and set aside
5. Add 1 tsp sesame oil to the pan
6. Cook the celery and red pepper for 5 minutes
7. In a small bowl mix sriracha, soy, honey and pepper
8. Add the chicken to the pan and mix it with the sauce and peanuts
9. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes. Top with green onions and serve

Nutrition

Calories308kcalProtein40gFiber6g

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