Kung Pao Chicken - Slow Cooker - Life Made Sweeter (2024)

Kung Pao Chicken – Slow Cooker – the perfect easy weeknight meal to curb that takeout craving. Best of all, this popular favorite can be made in the crock-pot or your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Lightened up with the same classic sweet & spicy flavors as your local Chinese restaurant. Plus recipe video.

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Kung Pao Chicken is a popular favorite stir-fried dish in Chinese takeout restaurants in North America. But did you also know that Gong Bao or Kung Po (宫保鸡丁) is also a classic Szechuan dish that everyone loves in China?

My husband is a huge fan of anything spicy so it’s one of the dishes he gets whenever he orders takeout along with General Tso’s, Cashew Chicken and Skinny Beef and Broccoli.

I first shared this healthier Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken on The Recipe Critic last week. This recipe is adapted from my cookbook except I’m also offering paleo and low carb keto friendly options.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE WITH GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN AND KUNG PAO CHICKEN?

Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken is usually served with a variety of vegetables and coated in a tangy, sweet, salty and slightly spicy sauce.

General Tso’s Chicken is usually deep fried chunks that are coated in a fiery chili sauce.

Both dishes are equally amazing and easy to make. The best part about making kung pao chicken at home is that you can easily customize the level of heat.

To get that infamous restaurant texture, you simple pan-fry the chicken in some cornstarch until brown to seal in the juices. There’s no messy splatter involved from deep frying, and you still get that amazing flavor!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE CROCK POT KUNG PAO CHICKEN:

• cornstarch – use almond flour or arrowroot flour for low carb / paleo
• salt and black pepper
• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• avocado oil
• dried red chili peppers to taste; found in Asian supermarkets or the International section of a large chain grocery store
• roasted cashews or roasted peanuts
• red bell pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces
• zucchini chopped into halves
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

WHAT GOES IN CHINESE KUNG PAO CHICKEN SAUCE?

The key to making any copycat Chinese restaurant dish is in the delicious savory stir-fry sauce. Feel free to double the amount and save the rest for another dish:

• low-sodium soy sauce use gluten free tamari or coconut aminos if necessary
• water
• honey or use low carb sweetener for keto (monk fruit, SWERVE or erythritol)
• hoisin sauce – use gluten free hoisin sauce if necessary – sub with fish sauce for keto
• garlic cloves
• grated fresh ginger
• dried red pepper chili flakes

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER KUNG PAO CHICKEN:

1. You’re going to start by coating the chicken in some cornstarch and lightly browning it in a skillet before adding it into the slow cooker. It’s an extra step that you can totally skip if you’re in a pinch — but it definitely makes a HUGE difference in texture!
2. Then you just combine the sauce ingredients together and toss with the chicken.
3. Cook on low for about 2-3 hours then add the veggies right near the end for the perfect tender & crisp texture.
4. For the vegetables, I used red peppers and zucchini but you can easily swap in your favorites.
5. Serve it over some zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lower carb and paleo friendly option.
6. For those times you want a special treat, serve it with a side of quinoa or your favorite rice or noodles instead.

Are there any substitutions to make this Kung Pao Chicken for Low Carb Keto, Paleo or those with Allergies?

Yes.

Cornstarch – swap with arrowroot powder for a Paleo OR xantham gum for low carb / keto

Oil – use coconut, ghee or avocado oil for a Paleo or / keto

Low low-sodium soy sauc – swap with Gluten-free Tamari and Coconut Aminos (paleo or keto) hoisin sauce and ketchup:

Hoisin sauce – leave out or swap with a gluten free version or you can make your own paleo-friendly version at homeHERE

CAN I SKIP BROWNING THE CHICKEN?

Yes! You can certainly skip the extra step of browning the chicken and add directly into the crock-pot. Browning helps to seal in the juices and gives the chicken that crispy texture.

Meal Prep Tips for Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken:

This Kung Pao Chicken would be delicious for leftovers or make a batch on Sunday meal prep and pack for your weekly school or work lunch bowls

• Serve with your favorite side – Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables or zoodles
• For easier weekly meal prep – chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container the night before.
• Make lunch the day before and store in an air-tight container – These –> lunch containers are the ones I use

More lightened up takeout recipes you might like:

General Tso’s Chicken (+Instant Pot)

Orange Chicken {+ Instant Pot}

Sweet and Sour Chicken (+Instant Pot)

Teriyaki Chicken (+ Instant Pot)

25+ Healthier Than Takeout Meal Prep Recipes