Hunan Chicken

When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Hunan Chicken, I was instantly drawn to its vibrant colors and aromatic spices. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors, bringing the heat of Hunan cuisine right into my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; the enticing scent of garlic and ginger filled the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a spicy, savory sauce, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as I served it up. The crunch of fresh vegetables adds a delightful texture, making every bite an adventure. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart and soul, perfect for family dinners or a casual evening with friends.

Ingredients Overview for Hunan Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Hunan Chicken, the philosophy behind them is all about harmony and balance. Using fresh, vibrant produce along with tender chicken creates an incredibly satisfying meal. Key players like soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce work together to build a robust flavor profile that makes this dish truly special.

• 1 pound chicken breast (boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces) – The star protein of this dish, tender and juicy.
• ⅓ cup cornstarch – Used to coat the chicken for a crispy texture when cooked.
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste) – Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – A key ingredient that brings a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
• 1 medium carrot (sliced 1/4 inch thin diagonally) – Adds a sweet crunch and bright color.
• 1 stalk celery (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces diagonally) – Contributes a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced into 1/2 inch strips) – Offers a sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
• ½ red onion (sliced into 1/4 inch thin strips) – Adds sweetness and depth when cooked.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Provides a fresh and healthy element to the dish.
• 3-6 dried chilies (whole, as per your spice preference) – Controls the heat level, allowing you to customize to taste.
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced) – Enhances flavor with its aromatic qualities.
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced) – Offers a warm, spicy undertone to the dish.
• ¼ cup peanuts (roughly chopped) – Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium) – The salty base of the sauce that brings everything together.
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium) – Adds moisture and flavor depth to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – Introduces a rich, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds a tangy note that brightens the overall dish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Used again for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (aka sambal oelek) – Provides heat and flavor depth.

Preparation Steps for Hunan Chicken

Let’s dive into making Hunan Chicken. The steps may seem a bit detailed, but they’re straightforward and each one contributes to the final dish’s amazing flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to make this dish, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your Hunan Chicken turns out just right.

1. Cook the chicken: Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This coating helps create a crispy exterior. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding. Cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the veggies: If necessary, add a splash more of sesame oil to the pan. Then, add the sliced carrot, celery, red bell pepper, broccoli, red onion, and dried chilies. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for around 4 to 5 minutes until they soften but remain crisp. The colors should be vibrant and the aromas should be delightful.
3. Make the Hunan sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and additional cornstarch. This mixture is where all the magic happens, bringing together all the flavors.
4. Incorporate the sauce: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegan stir-fry. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Finish: Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Ways to Customize

Customization is the best part of cooking, and Hunan Chicken is no exception. Here are some great ways to make this dish your own:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites, such as snap peas or bok choy.
• Protein Options: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences.
• Vegan Version: To make it vegan, replace chicken with tofu and ensure all sauces are plant-based.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and crunch.
• Make it Sweet: Include a teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweeter profile if you prefer a balance of sweet and spicy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Hunan Chicken with steamed rice or over a bed of noodles for a delicious meal.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try different types of soy sauces or add hoisin sauce for a twist in flavor.

How to Serve Hunan Chicken

Serving Hunan Chicken can elevate your meal experience, and here are some delightful ways to do it:

• Over Rice: Serve hot over a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the grains to soak up the rich sauce.
• Noodle Bed: Lay the Hunan Chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
• With Fresh Salad: Complement your meal with a side of fresh salad that balances the spiciness of the dish.
• Garnish: Add chopped peanuts, green onions, or sesame seeds as a garnish for added flavor and texture.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even casual weeknight meals.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Hunan Chicken lies in its vibrant flavors, quick preparation, and customizable spice levels. This dish is not only satisfying but also a delight to share with family and friends. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed! Bring a taste of Hunan cuisine into your home and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Hunan Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Hunan Chicken combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce that is easy to make and satisfyingly delicious. Perfect for any night of the week, this warm dish will surely become a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 14-inch Wok

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 medium carrot sliced 1/4 inch thin diagonally
• 1 stalk celery sliced into 1/2 inch pieces diagonally
• 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper sliced into 1/2 inch strips
• ½ red onion red onion sliced into 1/4 inch thin strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3-6 dried chilies dried chilies whole, as per your spice preference
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger minced
• ¼ cup peanuts roughly chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
• ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (aka sambal oelek)

Instructions

 

• Cook the chicken: Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This coating helps create a crispy exterior. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding. Cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• Cook the veggies: If necessary, add a splash more of sesame oil to the pan. Then, add the sliced carrot, celery, red bell pepper, broccoli, red onion, and dried chilies. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for around 4 to 5 minutes until they soften but remain crisp. The colors should be vibrant and the aromas should be delightful.
• Make the Hunan sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and additional cornstarch. This mixture is where all the magic happens, bringing together all the flavors.
• Incorporate the sauce: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegan stir-fry. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
• Finish: Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Prep: Prep all your ingredients and make the Hunan sauce first. This is the most time-consuming part. Once this is done, cooking is a piece of cake.
• Customize Heat Level: You may like it really spicy or really mild. Simply use as many dried chilies as you like and adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook Veggies: You only want them to soften a bit, but you still want them to be crispy and fresh.
• Cutting Chicken: Freeze your chicken breast for a few minutes before cutting it, to make it easier to cut into cubes or thin slices.
• Taste and Adjust: Notice I don’t add any salt to this dish and that’s because there should be plenty of sodium from all the other ingredients; however, taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
• Leftovers: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave or use a skillet over medium heat. If you find the sauce is drying out a bit using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
• Freezing: This makes for a great, easy freezer meal for busy weeknights! It will last 2-3 months. Reheat either using the microwave, or let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Keyword Chinese chicken recipes, easy chicken dinner, Hunan Chicken recipe, spicy chicken stir-fry

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.