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Chinese Hunan Chicken is a mouthwatering and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home in about 30 minutes. This classic stir-fry recipe tastes better than the version you get at a Chinese restaurant. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the allure of this Hunan Chicken recipe!
This homemade Chinese Hunan Chicken recipe lets you experience the aroma of sizzling chicken, the vibrant colors of crisp vegetables, and the explosion of flavors dancing on your palate. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it also offers a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. By preparing this dish yourself, you have full control over the quality of ingredients and can customize it to your liking. Trust me, once you taste the authentic flavors and freshness of homemade Hunan style chicken, you’ll never settle for anything less.
If you love spicy chicken recipes, try my Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta or Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hunan Chicken
- It’s healthier than takeout. By preparing this dish at home, you can control the ingredients used. You can opt for lean chicken breast, use less oil, incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid MSG, making it a healthier alternative to greasy takeout options.
- It’s quick and easy. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- It has an authentic flavor. This recipe captures the essence of Hunan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating an authentic Hunan style chicken dish right in your own kitchen.
Hunan Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: Tender and lean chicken breast strips work best for this recipe. You can substitute with boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
- Salt and Ground Pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken, providing a crispy texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour.
- Olive Oil: Use any light, neutral-flavored oil.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a vibrant green color and crunchy texture to the dish. You can substitute with cauliflower florets or snap peas.
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet, tangy flavor and a pop of color. Green, yellow or orange bell peppers can be substituted.
- Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and additional crunch. Feel free to substitute with thinly sliced zucchini or baby corn.
For the Hunan Sauce
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base to the sauce. Vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute.
- Low sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free substitute.
- Chili Paste: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and a hint of spiciness. Use powdered ginger or garlic if fresh is not available.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
To garnish
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and crunch. Toasted sesame seeds are preferred, but untoasted can be used.
- Spring Onion: Adds a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. Chopped chives or scallions can be used as substitutes.
Serve with
- Cooked Rice: Typically served with white or brown rice. Feel free to substitute your favorite type of rice or even noodles.
How To Make Chinese Hunan Chicken
- Prepare the chicken. In a bowl, combine chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
- Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set them aside.
- Saute the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add broccoli florets, red bell peppers, and carrots. Saute the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly cooked.
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Garnish and serve. Finally, add the green onions and sesame seeds to the skillet. Toss everything together. Serve the Hunan chicken with a bowl of rice.
Tips To Make Hunan Chicken Recipe
- Cut the chicken into uniform strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes before coating them with cornstarch. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
- When coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure to toss and press the chicken strips gently to ensure an even coating. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Before adding the chicken, make sure the skillet is preheated over medium heat. This allows the chicken to sear and cook properly without sticking to the pan.
- If you prefer crisp-tender vegetables, sauté them for a shorter duration. If you prefer them softer, cook them for a bit longer. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture.
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce in the skillet. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This step adds a nutty aroma and crunch to the dish.
- Chinese Hunan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
- Serve with a side of cooked rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will work well with the other ingredients.
Hunan chicken is known for being a little spicy, but the heat level is adjustable. To make the dish less spicy, you can reduce the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes used in the sauce. Start with a smaller quantity and adjust according to your desired level of spiciness.
It is easy to make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also, use a gluten-free cornstarch or substitute it with potato starch or arrowroot powder.
Cool the leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
It is best to freeze without the rice as it will become mushy. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
Serve this chicken with steamed rice, Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Chili Garlic Oil Noodles, Honey Chilli Potatoes or steamed veggies.
More Chinese Recipes
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
- Shrimp Lo Mein
- Chicken Manchurian
- Chinese Sesame Chicken
- Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken
I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Hunan Chicken recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Chinese Hunan Chicken
Ingredients
For chicken
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into pieces
- 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
For sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To serve
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, to garnish
- 2 tablespoons spring onion, to garnish
- 1 cup cooked rice, to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add broccoli florets, red bell peppers, and carrots. Saute the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly cooked.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and mix well. Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Garnish and serve. Finally, add the green onions and sesame seeds to the skillet. Toss everything together. Serve the Hunan chicken with a bowl of rice.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into uniform strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes before coating them with cornstarch. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
- When coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure to toss and press the chicken strips gently to ensure an even coating. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Before adding the chicken, make sure the skillet is preheated over medium heat. This allows the chicken to sear and cook properly without sticking to the pan.
- If you prefer crisp-tender vegetables, sauté them for a shorter duration. If you prefer them softer, cook them for a bit longer. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture.
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce in the skillet. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This step adds a nutty aroma and crunch to the dish.
- Chinese Hunan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
- Serve with a side of cooked rice or noodles.
