Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (CPK Copycat)

User Reviews

4.9

69 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    4 Servings

  • Calories

    1160 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (CPK Copycat)

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken cubes coated in an egg white slurry with spaghetti and a thick, flavorful sauce made from soy, chili paste, sherry, and sesame oil. The dish includes dried red chili peppers for color and heat, roasted peanuts for crunch, and plenty of garlic and scallions for aromatic depth. The sauce is simmered to thicken, coating the pasta and chicken with a glossy, spicy glaze.

Description

This dish starts with making a Kung Pao sauce by combining chicken stock, cornstarch, soy sauce, sherry, chili paste, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil, then simmering until thick enough to coat a spoon. Chicken breast pieces are coated with a slurry of egg whites, cornstarch, and salt, then cooked in olive oil in a large pan until set and cooked through.

Spaghetti is boiled just short of al dente before being combined with the chicken and sauce. Whole dried red chili peppers are added for heat and visual appeal, though they are not eaten directly. Peanuts and scallions add texture and freshness. The final dish features a balance of savory, slightly sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with tender chicken and al dente pasta.

The recipe suggests adjusting chili pepper quantity to taste, making it milder or spicier depending on preference. Including the peppers in the dish rather than eating them allows control over heat intensity, which suits varied palates.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup sherry
  • 3 tablespoons chili paste with garlic
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast cut in 3/4-inch cubes, boneless, skinless
  • 10 -15 whole dried red chili peppers don’t eat these, they are for color and heat, Chinese variety
  • 1 cup peanuts unsalted, dry roasted
  • 1/4 cup garlic minced
  • 3 cups scallions , greens and whites, coarsely-chopped

Instructions

Kung Pao Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the chicken stock and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
  2. Stir in the soy sauce, sherry, chili paste, sugar, red wine vinegar and sesame oil and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 20 minutes).

Slurry

  1. In a mixing bowl, use a whisk to stir together the 2 egg whites, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until blended but not frothy.

To Finish

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and cook a minute shy of al dente.
  2. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil for about 1 minute.
  3. Add the chicken to the slurry and mix.
  4. Add the chicken and egg white mixture to the pan in one large pancake shape as carefully as you can.
  5. Cook until the egg mixture sets.
  6. Using a large spatula, carefully flip it over then with a wooden spoon, gently separate the pieces.
  7. As soon as they darken in color (about a minute) stir in the garlic and scallions.
  8. Let the garlic and scallions cook for about 30 seconds (do not brown the garlic, it will get bitter) add the Kung Pao Sauce and toss and stir to coat the ingredients.
  9. Add in the cooked and drained pasta and combine with the sauce.
  10. If you pan isn’t big enough, combine them in a big bowl.
  11. Add in the Chinese peppers and roasted peanuts into the bowl.
  12. Top with extra chopped scallions.

Notes

  • Adjust dried red chili pepper quantity according to spice tolerance; adding them before tossing keeps the dish milder.
  • Crushing a few chilies on your serving adds heat without overwhelming others.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep salt levels balanced.
  • Cooking the chicken in an egg white and cornstarch slurry yields a tender texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 1160kcal (58%) Carbohydrates 129g (43%) Protein 57g (114%) Fat 44g (68%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 74mg (25%) Sodium 3243mg (135%) Potassium 1405mg (30%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 22g (44%) Vitamin A 805IU (16%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 131mg (13%) Iron 5.4mg (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1160 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 1160kcal 58%
Carbohydrates 129g 43%
Protein 57g 114%
Fat 44g 68%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 3243mg 135%
Potassium 1405mg 30%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 22g 44%
Vitamin A 805IU 16%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 131mg 13%
Iron 5.4mg 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

69 reviews
Excellent

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