Hunan Style Chicken

There’s something truly magical about the flavors of Hunan Style Chicken. Growing up, my family often sought out the vibrant tastes of Chinese cuisine, and this dish was always a standout. The moment I would step into the kitchen, the aroma of sizzling chicken and fresh vegetables would fill the air, inviting me to come closer. I still remember the first time I tasted this dish, with its spicy kick and savory sauce—it was a flavor explosion that danced on my taste buds. Now, whenever I make Hunan Style Chicken, I’m taken back to those cozy family dinners where laughter and good food reigned supreme.
As I prepare this delightful dish, I love how the colors of the fresh ingredients pop—crimson bell peppers, bright green broccoli, and tender chicken. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and incredibly comforting. It’s as if each ingredient has its role, harmonizing beautifully to create a meal that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, Hunan Style Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredient List for Hunan Style Chicken

In crafting the perfect Hunan Style Chicken, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating its delightful flavors. The harmony of fresh vegetables and tender chicken melds beautifully with the bold sauces to create a dish that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

• 1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken thigh – Cut into bite-sized pieces, this tender meat is juicy and flavorful, making it the star of the dish.
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets – They add crunch and nutrition, perfectly complementing the richness of the chicken.
• 1 red bell pepper – Seeded and cut into pieces, it brings a sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• 1 green bell pepper – Adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the red bell pepper.
• 1 cup chopped scallions – Separating the whites and greens allows for layered flavors; the whites are stir-fried for sweetness, while the greens are added for freshness at the end.
• ½ cup celery – Thinly sliced, it lends a delightful crunch and a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch – This is used to coat the chicken, giving it a crispy texture when stir-fried.
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil – Chosen for its high smoke point, it’s perfect for stir-frying, imparting a mild flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• 1/3 cup oyster sauce – This rich sauce contributes a savory depth that is characteristic of Hunan cuisine.
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• ¼ cup chili garlic sauce – For those who love heat, this sauce provides a spicy kick that defines the dish.
• 1 tablespoon honey – A touch of sweetness that beautifully contrasts the spicy elements.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – It brightens the dish, adding a tangy note that lifts all the flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced, it adds an aromatic punch that rounds out the flavor profile.

Recipe Directions for Hunan Style Chicken

Cooking Hunan Style Chicken is as enjoyable as the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen. Follow these steps carefully for a delicious result!

1. Start by prepping the ingredients. Chop the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Then, chop the broccoli, red, and green bell peppers into similar sizes. It’s important to keep everything uniform for even cooking. Remember to separate the whites and greens of the scallions for later use.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken. Sprinkle with cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is well-coated. This step is crucial as it helps create a crispy texture when you cook the chicken.

3. Now, let’s prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl or measuring pitcher, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.

4. Place a wok or a large deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peanut oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This indicates that it’s hot enough for cooking. Be careful not to let it smoke.

5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir fry them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to be lightly browned on all sides. After browning, move the chicken to a holding plate, leaving the oil in the skillet for the next steps.

6. In the same skillet, add the white parts of the scallions, celery, and the red and green bell peppers. Stir fry these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. They should maintain a bit of crunch by not cooking them too long.

7. Next, add the broccoli florets along with the browned chicken back to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.

8. Now, pour the prepared sauce over the stir fry. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the broccoli to become tender but still firm. The colors should be vibrant and enticing.

9. Finally, sprinkle the greens of the scallions over the top for freshness and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, but pairing it with a side of jasmine rice, brown rice, or low carb cauliflower rice takes it to the next level!

Change It Up

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some tips to customize your Hunan Style Chicken experience!

• Add More Heat: If you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add more chili garlic sauce or fresh chili peppers to amp up the heat level.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Protein Choices: Although chicken is traditional, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variation.
• Sauce Adjustments: Modify the sauce by adding a bit of sesame oil or adjusting the honey for sweetness.
• Serve with Different Bases: Try serving it over different types of rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a delightful twist.

Serving Ideas for Hunan Style Chicken

• Pair with Rice: Serve Hunan Style Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: This dish makes for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, ideal for busy families.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: It holds up well and can be easily packed for lunches throughout the week.
• Great for Gatherings: Impress guests by serving it at dinner parties or gatherings, as it’s sure to be a hit!
• Seasonal Sides: Pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
• Festive Occasions: This dish is perfect for celebrations, showcasing bold flavors that everyone will love.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hunan Style Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken. Its bold flavors make it a standout meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making it at home and experience the delightful taste that has captured my heart. With its quick preparation and delicious results, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!

Hunan Style Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Hunan Style Chicken features tender chicken stir-fried with vibrant veggies in a spicy, savory sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for satisfying cravings and is sure to become a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken thigh cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped scallions separated into whites and greens
• ½ cup celery sliced thin on a bias
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup oyster sauce
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

• Start by prepping the ingredients. Chop the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Then, chop the broccoli, red, and green bell peppers into similar sizes. It’s important to keep everything uniform for even cooking. Remember to separate the whites and greens of the scallions for later use.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken. Sprinkle with cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is well-coated. This step is crucial as it helps create a crispy texture when you cook the chicken.
• Now, let’s prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl or measuring pitcher, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.
• Place a wok or a large deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peanut oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This indicates that it’s hot enough for cooking. Be careful not to let it smoke.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir fry them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to be lightly browned on all sides. After browning, move the chicken to a holding plate, leaving the oil in the skillet for the next steps.
• In the same skillet, add the white parts of the scallions, celery, and the red and green bell peppers. Stir fry these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. They should maintain a bit of crunch by not cooking them too long.
• Next, add the broccoli florets along with the browned chicken back to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.
• Now, pour the prepared sauce over the stir fry. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the broccoli to become tender but still firm. The colors should be vibrant and enticing.
• Finally, sprinkle the greens of the scallions over the top for freshness and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, but pairing it with a side of jasmine rice, brown rice, or low carb cauliflower rice takes it to the next level!

Notes

• Tip 1: Let the chicken and veggies cool before transferring to an airtight container.
• Tip 2: Keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

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

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.