Hunan Chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish that’s full of flavor! With juicy chicken pieces, colorful veggies, and a zesty sauce, it’s like a party on your plate.
This recipe brings the heat, but don’t worry, you can adjust the spice to your liking! I love serving it over rice for a yummy meal that’s quick and easy to make after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great because it cooks quickly. You can swap it for chicken thighs, which are juicier. If you want to make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Soy Sauce: A need for flavor and saltiness! If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos can also be a good substitute if you’re looking for a soy-free alternative.
Shao Xing Wine: This gives an authentic touch, but dry sherry works well too. For non-alcoholic options, use chicken broth or just skip it altogether. Even a little splash of apple juice can add a hint of sweetness!
Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, and onions are essential for color and crunch. Feel free to mix in other veggies like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini based on what you have on hand!
Chili Garlic Sauce: This gives the heat. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or use sweet chili sauce. You can also add fresh chili slices instead if you prefer.
How Can I Perfectly Stir-Fry Without Overcooking?
Stir-frying is about quick cooking over high heat, so keep these tips in mind:
- Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make it easy to add them quickly to the wok.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil so it handles the heat well.
- Keep your heat high! This helps to sear the chicken and veggies without steaming them. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that will lower the temperature.
- Stir continuously and ensure everything cooks evenly. Keep an eye on the veggies; they should be colorful and crisp, not mushy!
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a perfectly delicious and vibrant Hunan Chicken that everyone will love!
How to Make Hunan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2-3 dried red chili peppers, broken into pieces (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4-5 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Time Needed:
This delicious Hunan Chicken dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a scrumptious meal on the table in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix everything well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grab a small bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, black vinegar, chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water. Set the sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Then add the broken dried chili peppers, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aromas—this will make your kitchen smell fantastic!
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add color and crunch! Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, broccoli florets, celery, and scallions to the wok. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the wok, and give everything a good stir. Whisk the sauce again to ensure it’s mixed well, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Lastly, add the 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to help create a nice sauce.
7. Cook Until Thickened:
Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the wok from heat, and serve your spicy, savory Hunan Chicken hot! It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fried rice—enjoy every flavorful bite!
Bon appétit!
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Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Hunan Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s completely thawed before marinating. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or you can place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of dried red chili peppers or remove the chili garlic sauce. You can also use sweet chili sauce for flavor without the heat. Conversely, if you like it spicier, add fresh sliced chilies or increase the chili garlic sauce to match your taste!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to swap in any veggies you like or have on hand! Suitable options include snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or even baby corn. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked to your preference.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy within a few days for the best flavor and texture!