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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken

    Published: Feb 4, 2021 Modified: Feb 6, 2021 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Bursting with flavor and beyond easy to make, this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite take-out dish. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, this savory recipe is sure to become your new weeknight staple.

    kung pao chicken with chopsticks on a plate

    Growing up, my family didn’t order Chinese take-out often, so when we did it was always a special treat. The delicious smells wafting from the bag that we practically tore open the moment we got our hands on it, passing around the white cartons as we enjoyed our meal family-style; the whole experience was packed with little joys.

    Now that I have a family of my own, I’ve kept the tradition alive. This healthier take on an iconic take-out dish is a family favorite in my household and soon it will be in yours too!

    sliced red and orange peppers

    On busy weeknights, I love using ground chicken instead of whole breasts or thighs. It saves me the time and effort of cutting up my chicken and also cooks a lot quicker. Not to mention, you get chicken in every bite!

    In my house, we typically pair this dish with rice or cauliflower rice if we’re looking for a more low-carb dish. The flavorful sauce coats the rice and makes every bite pop, it’s seriously delicious.

    close up of kung pao chicken with cauliflower rice

    Ingredients

    • Ground chicken
    • Thinly sliced onion
    • Thinly sliced red bell peppers
    • Gluten-free hoisin sauce (or regular, if not gluten-free)
    • Rice vinegar
    • Honey
    • Tamari (or soy sauce, if not gluten-free)
    • Cornstarch
    • Sesame oil

    What is Tamari?

    Tamari is a Japanese condiment commonly used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. It’s made by fermenting soybeans and tends to be darker and less salty than traditional soy sauce. Tamari has a strong umami flavor that complements savory dishes like this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken.

    How to Make Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken

    1. Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch. Pour in half of the tamari and toss gently.
    2. Heat 2 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and sauté until cooked through, breaking up the chicken with a spatula.
    3. While the chicken cooks, mix your sauce in a small bowl. Add the other half of the tamari, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
    4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add 2 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan, then add the peppers and onions and cook for a few minutes.
    5. Add the chicken back to the pan and pour the sauce over it. Toss it all together so everything is well-combined. Bring the pan to a quick boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
    6. Garnish with toppings of your choice like green onions, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds.

    tamari and hoison sauce bottles

    Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken

    • Made with clean, wholesome ingredients
    • Gluten-free and easy to make
    • Packed with vibrant, delicious flavors
    • Sauce made with just 4 ingredients
    • Ready in under 20 minutes

    More Healthy Chicken Recipes

    • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Thai Chicken Salad
    • Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
    • Instant Pot Chicken Curry
    • Spicy Blood Orange Chicken

     

    Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken

    Bursting with flavor and beyond easy to make, this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite take-out dish. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, this savory recipe is sure to become your new weeknight staple.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Chinese
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: kung pao chicken
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 384kcal
    Author: Karen Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • ½ cup tamari or soy sauce if not gluten free, separated
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 4 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 onion sliced thin
    • 2 red peppers sliced thin
    • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce gluten free if needed
    • ¼ cup rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon honey

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch. Pour over ¼ cup of tamari and toss gently.
    • Heat 2 tablespoon sesame oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, breaking up with a spatula.
    • While chicken cooks mix the sauce in a small bowl. Add ¼ cup tamari, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar and honey. Whisk carefully.
    • Remove the chicken from the pan and add two tablespoons of sesame oil. Add the peppers and onions and cook for few minutes.
    • Add the chicken back to the pan and pour the sauce over it. Toss it together so everything is covered with the sauce. Bring to a quick boil then reduce heat and simmer a minute or two.
    • Top with green onions, peanuts or sesame seeds.

    Notes

    Be sure to use tamari and gluten free hoison sauce if needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1757mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1864IU | Vitamin C: 78mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.
    « Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl
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    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food photographer and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, gluten free recipes made with seasonal ingredients. Let's get cooking!

    ABOUT KAREN»

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