Hunan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hunan Chicken is a perfect combination of heat, flavor, and texture. The juicy chicken pieces are stir-fried to perfection, while the vegetables add a fresh crunch. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers, provides a bold, spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food but also appreciate the depth of flavor that comes from fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s quick to make and can easily be adjusted to your heat preference.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1-2 tablespoons chili paste or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Red chili peppers, sliced (optional, for extra heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sugar, and water or chicken broth. Stir to combine and set aside.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, and sliced vegetables (red bell pepper, broccoli, onion, and carrots). Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to coat evenly.

6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced red chili peppers for extra spice and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Adjust the spice level: Use less chili paste or opt for a milder chili sauce if you prefer a less spicy dish.

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy to increase the variety of textures.

• Add protein variety: Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different take on this dish.

• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Hunan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish, making them a great substitute.

2. How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili paste or chili garlic sauce, and use mild bell peppers or skip the red chili peppers for garnish.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables for this dish?

Fresh vegetables are preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Hunan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, just cook the chicken and vegetables when ready to serve.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

6. Can I use a different type of sauce instead of hoisin?

You can substitute hoisin sauce with oyster sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.

7. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check the ingredients on your hoisin sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free.

8. What can I serve with Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is great served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also pair it with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy.

9. Can I add nuts to this dish?

Yes, adding cashews or peanuts can bring a delightful crunch to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the skillet, letting it cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.

Conclusion

Hunan Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that packs a punch with its bold sauce and tender chicken. Whether you enjoy a good amount of heat or prefer to tone it down a bit, this dish is easily customizable and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its colorful vegetables, savory sauce, and rich flavors, Hunan Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation.