Kung Pau Chicken Lettuce Cups

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Awww shucks, I spelled Kung Pao wrong in the title...

One of my favorite categories is Asian, especially Kung Pao Chicken. Of course trying to maintain a moderate calorie count while eating out is difficult (especially Chinese) so I made my own at home.

A mildly (adjustable) spicy Kung Pao Chicken serves in lettuce cups. A great light meal or lunch at around 300 calories per 4 oz serving. For a more full meal add a side of rice.

About 40 minutes prep and cooking combined.

Yields about five 4oz. servings.

16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs diced into 1/2" pieces
1 medium onion chopped
4 oz Planters Dry roasted (less salt) Peanuts coarsely chopped
2 tbsp Chopped garlic
1 carrot (medium) shredded (garnish)
1 stack green onion chopped (garnish)
4 tbsp Dynasty Kung Pao Sauce (available at grocery stores or Amazon)
1 medium head of lettuce (for use as serving cups or wraps)
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tsp crushes red pepper flakes (use less for less spice and more for added heat)

Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking, stir frying goes fairly fast.

268509_1837557699712_1263583028_31537892_1439432_n.jpg

In a large non-stick skillet or wok (Teflon coated) heat 1 tbsp peanut oil over medium high heat, add 1 medium onion chopped and saute until semi clear.

268059_1837558019720_1263583028_31537893_1288840_n.jpg

Add 16 oz of chicken thighs (can use breast meat, just less moist) and 1 tsp ground black pepper, increase heat to high and cook until nearly done (about 6 - 8 minutes).

Once almost done add 2 tbsp chopped garlic and 1/2 red chili flakes, continue cooking 2 - 4 minutes.

Add 4 oz coarsely chopped peanuts and stir fry until evenly distributed and finish cooking (approx. 4 minutes) or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Remove skillet (wok) from heat and stir in 4 tbsp Dynasty Kung Pao Sauce, let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Prepare lettuce cups from either head or romaine and scoop one ounce of chicken mixture, add shredded carrot and chopped green onions as a colorful and aromatic garnish.

264054_1837558219725_1263583028_31537894_2307669_n.jpg

EAT!
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Replies

  • hsnider29
    hsnider29 Posts: 394 Member
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    This looks so good! I wish I could recreate Pei Wei's lettuce wraps.
  • lfcutie
    lfcutie Posts: 103 Member
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    bump
  • gec1266
    gec1266 Posts: 201 Member
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    This is sounding so good! Thank you for the receipe...I'll be trying this soon!!
  • LessMe2B
    LessMe2B Posts: 316
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    BBBBUUUUUMMMPP :tongue:
  • MeliciousMelis
    MeliciousMelis Posts: 458 Member
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    YUM!! Totally going to have to try this!
  • nienie21
    nienie21 Posts: 95 Member
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    MUST try this. Kung Pao is my fav! Thanks :)
  • angiebugpie
    angiebugpie Posts: 63 Member
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    :bigsmile:
  • Italiana_xx79
    Italiana_xx79 Posts: 593 Member
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    Wow, I was going to say you must be a photographer! Looks good!
  • trishlambert
    trishlambert Posts: 213 Member
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    Your timing is awesome! Just this weekend, I was thinking about how much I love kung pao and about how calorie-laden it is. This recipe will become my "kung pao go to!"
  • Brent_Arthur
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    Thanks y'all. It came out very good, fed it to the family for dinner last night and it was thumbs up all around the table.
  • LoraEllen
    LoraEllen Posts: 81
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    Sounds good!
  • Texas501
    Texas501 Posts: 274
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    Looks awesome! And the pics help!
  • clogreco
    clogreco Posts: 7
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    Looks really good, Thanks
  • sdgirl22
    sdgirl22 Posts: 225 Member
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    mm.. bump!
  • beckajw
    beckajw Posts: 1,738 Member
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    bump
  • Shannon023
    Shannon023 Posts: 14,529 Member
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    *licks screen*

    Looks delicious! Thanks for posting! :flowerforyou:
  • mominabox
    mominabox Posts: 26
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    Awww shucks, I spelled Kung Pao wrong in the title...

    One of my favorite categories is Asian, especially Kung Pao Chicken. Of course trying to maintain a moderate calorie count while eating out is difficult (especially Chinese) so I made my own at home.

    A mildly (adjustable) spicy Kung Pao Chicken serves in lettuce cups. A great light meal or lunch at around 300 calories per 4 oz serving. For a more full meal add a side of rice.

    About 40 minutes prep and cooking combined.

    Yields about five 4oz. servings.

    16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs diced into 1/2" pieces
    1 medium onion chopped
    4 oz Planters Dry roasted (less salt) Peanuts coarsely chopped
    2 tbsp Chopped garlic
    1 carrot (medium) shredded (garnish)
    1 stack green onion chopped (garnish)
    4 tbsp Dynasty Kung Pao Sauce (available at grocery stores or Amazon)
    1 medium head of lettuce (for use as serving cups or wraps)
    1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
    1/2 tsp crushes red pepper flakes (use less for less spice and more for added heat)

    Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking, stir frying goes fairly fast.

    268509_1837557699712_1263583028_31537892_1439432_n.jpg

    In a large non-stick skillet or wok (Teflon coated) heat 1 tbsp peanut oil over medium high heat, add 1 medium onion chopped and saute until semi clear.

    268059_1837558019720_1263583028_31537893_1288840_n.jpg

    Add 16 oz of chicken thighs (can use breast meat, just less moist) and 1 tsp ground black pepper, increase heat to high and cook until nearly done (about 6 - 8 minutes).

    Once almost done add 2 tbsp chopped garlic and 1/2 red chili flakes, continue cooking 2 - 4 minutes.

    Add 4 oz coarsely chopped peanuts and stir fry until evenly distributed and finish cooking (approx. 4 minutes) or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

    Remove skillet (wok) from heat and stir in 4 tbsp Dynasty Kung Pao Sauce, let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

    Prepare lettuce cups from either head or romaine and scoop one ounce of chicken mixture, add shredded carrot and chopped green onions as a colorful and aromatic garnish.

    264054_1837558219725_1263583028_31537894_2307669_n.jpg

    EAT!
  • mominabox
    mominabox Posts: 26
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    looks awsome
  • anacsitham5
    anacsitham5 Posts: 814 Member
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    Nice Recipe! Only 155 calories per serving, 4 fat and 4 sugars! Can't wait to try this weekend!
  • Melbel85
    Melbel85 Posts: 240 Member
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    My husband thanks you!!!