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5.0 from 33 votes

Kung Pao Chicken Wings

Kung pao chicken wings are a great alternative to regular hot wings. With the tangy sauce, oven "fried" wings, and easy prep, it's the perfect fusion food!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
46 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 268 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

For the marinating the chicken wings:
  • 12 chicken wingettes and drumettes (rinsed and pat dry)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sichuan peppercorns
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon flour
For the Kung Pao sauce:
  • 1 teaspoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or canola oil)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 10 dried whole red chili peppers
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon spicy bean sauce/paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed into a slurry with 1 tablespoon water)
  • 1 scallion (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons peanuts (roasted and chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Toss the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl along with all the marinade ingredients, ensuring the wings are well coated. Set aside for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with heavy duty foil for easy clean-up and add a layer of non-stick foil or parchment paper so the wings don't stick. Lay the wings on the sheet pan spaced 2 inches apart, ensuring that as much of the marinade coating is on the wings as possible. Bake in the oven for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through roasting. Both sides of the wings should be crispy. Halfway through this process (i.e. after you've flipped the wings), make the sauce.
  3. To make the sauce, add the oil and ginger to a wok or saucepan over low heat. After 15 seconds, add the garlic, whole dried chilies, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toast another 10 seconds and stir in the Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, chicken stock, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and spicy bean paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in cornstarch slurry until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon. Add the scallions. By now, the wings should be done cooking. Toss them into the sauce and serve, garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve!
  5. Note: We had these chicken wings without any dipping sauce, but if you'd like to cool off the wings slightly, you can serve with some plain yogurt, mixed with a bit of salt and and chopped cucumber.

Notes

  • Makes 1 dozen wings.

Nutrition Information

Calories 268kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 56mg (19%) Sodium 433mg (18%) Potassium 209mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 555IU (11%) Vitamin C 1.7mg (2%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1.2mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 268

% Daily Value*

Calories 268kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 56mg 19%
Sodium 433mg 18%
Potassium 209mg 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 555IU 11%
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1.2mg 7%

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