Hunan Chicken Recipe
Hunan chicken is a beloved Chinese dish that has captivated taste buds around the world. Originating from the Hunan province, this spicy and flavor-packed recipe has become a staple in many households and restaurants. If you’re craving a bold and memorable meal, look no further than this authentic Hunan chicken recipe.
The unique blend of chili peppers, garlic, and savory seasonings creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and deeply satisfying. With its tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, Hunan chicken is a true delight for the senses.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Hunan chicken is a truly exceptional dish that offers an array of benefits. First and foremost, the bold and spicy flavors are incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for those who love bold and dynamic tastes. The contrast of the tender chicken and the crisp-tender vegetables also creates a wonderful textural experience with every bite.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its accessibility. The majority of the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for home cooks. Plus, the recipe is relatively quick and straightforward to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Hunan Chicken ❓
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Hunan chili sauce (or your preferred chili sauce)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
The beauty of this Hunan chicken recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates the Hunan-inspired flavor profile that has made these recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Hunan Chicken Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the red bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Hunan chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
• Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the Hunan chicken immediately, over steamed rice if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional Hunan-style dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Hunan chicken recipe saves you valuable time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
These Hunan chicken recipes provide approximately 45% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the Hunan chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the sesame oil and use a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, to keep the recipe dairy-free.
• Added protein: Add sliced mushrooms or chopped cashews to the dish to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Include more sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli florets to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Hunan chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a simple mixed green salad or sautéed bok choy for a complete meal
• Complement the Hunan chicken with a vegetable-based soup, such as hot and sour soup or egg drop soup
• For a family-style meal, serve the Hunan chicken alongside steamed dumplings or egg rolls
• Create an Asian-inspired appetizer platter with the Hunan chicken, spring rolls, and a selection of dipping sauces
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooking the vegetables: Keep a close eye on the bell pepper and onion to ensure they remain crisp-tender. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce and creating a velvety texture. Omitting this step will result in a thin, watery sauce.
• Using the wrong chili sauce: Be sure to use a Hunan-style chili sauce, which has a unique blend of spices and flavors. Substituting with a generic chili sauce can alter the authentic taste of the dish.
• Not adjusting the heat level: The amount of chili sauce used can be adjusted to suit your desired level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to find your perfect balance.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Hunan chicken recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken and vegetables, but do not add the sauce. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the sauce.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked Hunan chicken to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat the Hunan chicken, place it in a skillet or wok over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Hunan chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Hunan chicken in advance. The uncooked chicken and vegetables can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Hunan chicken can be easily adapted to use other proteins, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu. Simply replace the chicken with your desired protein and adjust the cooking time as needed. The flavor profile will remain similar, but the protein swap will provide a different twist on the dish.
How can I make the Hunan chicken dish lower in carbs?
To reduce the carb content of the Hunan chicken, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white rice. You can also omit the rice vinegar or use a low-carb alternative, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
What can I do if the sauce is too spicy?
If the Hunan chili sauce makes the dish too spicy for your liking, you can try several remedies. First, add a bit more chicken broth or water to the sauce to dilute the heat. You can also stir in a teaspoon or two of honey or brown sugar to balance the spiciness. Additionally, serving the Hunan chicken with a side of steamed rice can help temper the heat.
Can I add any extra vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! The Hunan chicken recipe is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Consider adding sliced mushrooms, snow peas, broccoli florets, or even baby corn to the stir-fry. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Conclusion
These Hunan chicken recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, they’re sure to impress with their bold and spicy flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Hunan chicken dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Hunan chicken and prepare to be captivated by the vibrant and unforgettable taste.
Print
Hunan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Hunan chili sauce (or your preferred chili sauce)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the red bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Hunan chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
• Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the Hunan chicken immediately, over steamed rice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
Keywords: Hunan Chicken Recipe
