HEALTHY KUNG PAO CHICKEN (GLUTEN FREE)

March 11, 2023

HEALTHY KUNG PAO CHICKEN (GLUTEN FREE)

This Healthy Kung Pao Chicken has become one of my favorite stir-fry recipes! It's got crunchy almonds, tender chicken pieces, and colorful vegetables - all in a savory, lightly sweet sauce with a subtle kick of Sichuan pepper. This recipe is gluten-free and actually not very spicy. All of my kids loved it! It's surprising how wonderful almonds and celery are in this dish. You've gotta try it!

Did you know? Chili peppers are high in Vitamin C and capsaicin. Capsaicin has many health benefits, including boosting metabolic rate and anti-inflammatory properties. This is still a small benefit, but still worth noting! (source)

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

The chicken and alternatives

I always look for "organic" or "free range" chicken with "no antibiotics." This means the chickens were raised with at least some access to the outdoors, and were not administered antibiotics due to disease or dirty living conditions. "Pasture-raised" or "humane certified" are even better indicators of the chicken's welfare. 

You can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful! Chicken breasts are of course slightly lower in fat, while chicken thighs are typically more affordable.

I marinade the chicken in gluten-free tamari (can use soy sauce), sherry cooking wine, cornstarch, and baking soda to tenderize the meat. Trust me, it works! 

If vegan, you can use tofu, tempeh, or even vegan chik'n.

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Making the sauce

The sauce combines balsamic vinegargluten-free tamari, gluten-free hoisin, toasted sesame oil, honey, cornstarch (can use tapioca starch), Sichuan pepper flakes, and ground ginger.

It may seem like a lot of ingredients, but once you have a good stock of basics, you will find they can be re-used in so many Asian recipes! Others I always have on hand are rice vinegar, fish sauce, coconut aminos, and sriracha. 

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Stir fry ingredients 

This stir fry comes alive with fresh garlic, green onions, bell peppers, celery, and almonds. I don't know why I haven't used celery more often! Its signature flavor makes this stir fry so special and memorable. Many recipes call for peanuts in Kung Pao chicken, but all I had was sliced almonds! It was unexpected and delicious. 

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Optional sides

This Healthy Kung Pao Chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, brown rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice. Feel free to expermient or enjoy it on it's own! 

Here is the printable recipe. I hope you love it as much as our family did :)

This post contains affiliate links.

star




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

Flourless Turtle Protein Cookies
FLOURLESS TURTLE PROTEIN COOKIES

September 26, 2023

Craving that caramel-pecan-chocolate combo? Try these Turtle Protein Cookies! They're gluten-free and dairy-free (as always) with the option to make vegan. Bonus, the date caramel is loaded with nutrients and fiber, while adding a rich caramel-like flavor to the cookies.

View full article →

Gluten Free String Bean Chicken
GLUTEN FREE STRING BEAN CHICKEN

September 23, 2023

I absolutely love this healthy, gluten-free string bean chicken stir fry! It tastes like takeout, has no gluten or dairy, and is low in sugar and carbs. Of course, this recipe is high protein too! Best of all, this stir fry is easy to make and comes together quickly. The whole family loved it, especially my husband who loves all Asian food!

View full article →

Harvest Chicken Salad & Cider Vinaigrette (Whole30)
HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD & CIDER VINAIGRETTE (WHOLE30)

September 14, 2023

This Whole30 Harvest Chicken Salad has tart apples, caramelized sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, massaged kale, and red onion, topped with a zesty cider vinaigrette. This salad is gluten-free, dairy-free, and meal prep friendly!

View full article →

Get my FREE meal prep guide!

Get family-friendly recipes, nutrition tips and faith-based inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.