Best Hunan Chicken Recipe: A Spicy and Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight
If you love bold flavors, spicy heat, and perfectly tender chicken, this Best Hunan Chicken recipe is for you! This classic Chinese dish features thinly sliced chicken stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and tossed in a rich, savory Hunan sauce that packs a punch. With just the right balance of heat, umami, and a touch of sweetness, this dish is a must-try for any home cook looking to bring restaurant-quality flavors to their kitchen.
What is Hunan Chicken?
Hunan Chicken originates from China’s Hunan province, known for its bold and spicy cuisine. Unlike its sweeter cousin, Szechuan chicken, Hunan Chicken is all about deep, fiery heat from fresh chilies and chili bean sauce. It also incorporates fresh vegetables for a crunchy texture, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: The combination of oyster sauce, chili bean sauce, and Japanese rice wine creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your liking by modifying the number of red jalapenos or using a chili sauce alternative.
- Velveting Technique: This ensures ultra-tender and juicy chicken just like your favorite takeout spot.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil (for frying)
Marinade (Velveting):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Japanese rice wine (like Kikkoman Aji Mirin)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Coating:
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons flour
Hunan Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons bottled chili bean sauce (Toban Djan)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Japanese rice wine (Kikkoman Aji Mirin)
- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- 2-6 red jalapenos, seeded and diced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 large yellow onion, cut into 1” pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 3 carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced 1/2″ thick
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Velveting Method)
In a large freezer bag or bowl, whisk together the velveting ingredients. Add the sliced chicken and mix well to coat evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Coat the Chicken
After marinating, transfer the chicken to a separate bag or bowl containing 1/4 cup cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of flour. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Hunan Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the Hunan Sauce ingredients. Set aside for later.
4. Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast-iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan (without wiping it clean), heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the red jalapenos, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Combine Everything
Whisk the Hunan sauce to recombine any settled cornstarch, then pour it into the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked chicken back in and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly sliced green onions for extra flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hunan Chicken
- Use Fresh Chilies: For authentic heat, opt for red jalapenos, but you can substitute with chili sauce if needed.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: They should be crisp-tender to maintain texture and nutrients.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own as a protein-packed stir-fry.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling, consider making 1.5x the sauce recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Proteins?
Yes! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
How Spicy is This Dish?
It’s moderately spicy but can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of red jalapenos.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Best Hunan Chicken recipe brings the bold and spicy flavors of Hunan cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a new stir-fry recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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