Donal's Family Kitchen30 Minutes

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung pao chicken, a classic Szechuan dish, relies on the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns, so they are certainly worth tracking down for this recipe. The aubergine is not traditionally used but works well with the tender chicken.

Donal SkehanFrom the series · Donal's Family Kitchen
30 min totalServes 4Easy
Kung Pao ChickenKung Pao Chicken
Time30 min
Serves4
SkillEasy
ShowSuper Food In Minutes

Method

1
Toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan then grind roughly in a pestle and mortar. Mix with the cornflour in a bowl and season well. Toss in the chicken and add the rice wine and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce. Mix well until it is coated and sticky.
2
Whisk the rest of the soy sauce with the honey and vinegar to make a sauce and set aside.
3
Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan (skillet) and fry the aubergines over a high heat for 10-12 minutes until they are golden and squishy. Add the red pepper, garlic, ginger and half the spring onions and fry for a few minutes more. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
4
Tip away most of the oil in the pan and then return to a medium high heat. Add the chicken and chilli flakes and fry until golden all over. Return the vegetables to the pan, add the sauce and cook all together for 3-4 minutes until sticky and fragrant.
5
Scatter with peanuts, the remaining spring onions and serve with steamed rice.
6
To freeze: Cool completely and freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Defrost fully then reheat in a hot wok until piping hot.
30 Minutes

Recipe by Donal Skehan · From the series Donal's Family Kitchen · Photography © Appetite Media
Published 13 July 2026 · Updated 15 July 2026

Nutrition
Per serving · estimated
673kcal
46gprotein
45gcarbs
34gfat

Approximate — calculated from the ingredient list using USDA food data. A guide, not a medical figure.

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