Healthy Kung Pao Chicken
This healthy kung pao chicken is a quick, nutritious dinner recipe packed with spicy-sweet flavors, lean protein, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and low-calorie meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into chunks
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1 bell pepper (yellow, orange, or red), chopped
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
- Crushed peanuts, for serving (optional)
- 1/4 cup regular soy sauce or tamari
- 1-2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek chili paste or sriracha
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sambal oelek, and arrowroot powder to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat half a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add chicken, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir fry for 6-8 minutes until chicken is just cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan, followed by bell peppers, green onions, and broccoli. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything, stirring well to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Turn off the heat, allowing the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm over brown rice, topping with crushed peanuts and extra sambal oelek for heat if desired.