Chinese Hunan Chicken
This spicy Hunan chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken strips, a medley of crunchy vegetables, and an irresistible sauce that will leave you wanting more. Hunan style chicken is a classic stir-fry recipe that tastes better than the version you get at a Chinese restaurant.
Servings
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 867mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7060IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg
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