Craving takeout flavor without the hassle? Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken delivers tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy-sweet sauce! These Easy Slow Cooker Meals are perfect for busy weeknights. Try this simple recipe for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
- Effortless: Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken simmers with minimal prep for these easy slow cooker meals.
- Flavorful: Spicy-sweet sauce shines in these savory Asian dishes.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies for this simple recipe.
- Flexible: Customize heat or ingredients for these zesty chicken dinners.
- Meal-Prep: Perfect for batch cooking these easy slow cooker meals.
Ingredients for Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for these easy slow cooker meals (makes ~4 servings):
- 1 ½ lb (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (120g) red and green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup (120g) zucchini, sliced
- ½ cup (70g) unsalted peanuts
- ¾ cup (180ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15g) chili paste (adjust for spice)
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch (10g) fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Substitution: Use tofu for chicken; cashews for peanuts; tamari for soy sauce.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Tender base for these savory Asian dishes.
- Peanuts: Crunchy texture for these zesty chicken dinners.
- Soy Sauce: Savory depth for this simple recipe.
- Veggies: Colorful nutrition for these easy slow cooker meals.
- Chili Paste: Adjustable heat for these savory Asian dishes.
Directions for Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
Let’s create these easy slow cooker meals!
Prep Chicken
I cut 1 ½ lb chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper for these Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken dishes.
Make Sauce
I whisk ¾ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until smooth for these savory Asian dishes.
Layer Ingredients
I place chicken in the crockpot, pour sauce over, then add 1 cup each bell peppers and zucchini, and ½ cup peanuts for these zesty chicken dinners.
Cook Low and Slow
I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender for this simple recipe.
Garnish and Serve
I sprinkle with 2 green onions and serve hot over rice for these easy slow cooker meals.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~4–6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: ~4 servings
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 30g carbs, 35g protein, 15g fat
Variations for Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
Try these twists for these easy slow cooker meals:
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu in these savory Asian dishes.
- Spicy: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for these zesty chicken dinners’ kick.
- Veggie Boost: Include snap peas for this simple recipe’s crunch.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein for these easy slow cooker meals.
- Mild: Reduce chili paste for these savory Asian dishes’ milder flavor.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ steamed rice for these zesty chicken dinners.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ cucumber salad for these easy slow cooker meals.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ broccoli for these savory Asian dishes.
Storage
I store these easy slow cooker meals in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. I freeze cooled portions for 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating at 350°F for 15 minutes for these zesty chicken dinners.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken in a vibrant bowl for easy slow cooker meals appeal.
- Garnish: Add extra peanuts and green onions for these savory Asian dishes’ flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ iced tea for these zesty chicken dinners.
- Portion Size: 1 cup with rice per serving for a hearty meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
FAQs About Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
Here are answers to common questions about these easy slow cooker meals:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw first for even cooking in these zesty chicken dinners.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin for this simple recipe.
How do I adjust spice?
Modify chili paste for these savory Asian dishes’ heat level.
Can I add more veggies?
Yes, carrots or baby corn work for these easy slow cooker meals.
What pairs well?
Rice or salad complements these zesty chicken dinners.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken melds tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a spicy-sweet sauce in one pot, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or lively gatherings with minimal cleanup. This simple recipe delivers easy slow cooker meals bursting with savory Asian flavors. Pair these zesty chicken dinners with rice or a fresh salad for a satisfying, flavorful feast that everyone will love!
Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb 680g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup 120g red and green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup 120g zucchini, sliced
- ½ cup 70g unsalted peanuts
- ¾ cup 180ml low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup 60ml hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp 30ml rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp 15g chili paste (adjust for spice)
- 1 tbsp 8g cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch 10g fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Substitution: Use tofu for chicken; cashews for peanuts; tamari for soy sauce.
Instructions
Prep Chicken
- I cut 1 ½ lb chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper for these Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken dishes.
Make Sauce
- I whisk ¾ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until smooth for these savory Asian dishes.
Layer Ingredients
- I place chicken in the crockpot, pour sauce over, then add 1 cup each bell peppers and zucchini, and ½ cup peanuts for these zesty chicken dinners.
Cook Low and Slow
- I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender for this simple recipe.
Garnish and Serve
- I sprinkle with 2 green onions and serve hot over rice for these easy slow cooker meals.
Notes
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