Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry

If you are looking for a quick and delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout, then this Hunan Chicken recipe is a game-changer. Hunan Chicken, a classic stir-fry dish from the Hunan province of China, features tender slices of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

I stumbled upon this recipe while attempting to recreate the flavors of my beloved Chinese restaurant dish, and after numerous experiments, I finally nailed it. The key ingredient that elevates this Hunan Chicken to new heights is sambal oelek garlic chili sauce, which adds just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the dish’s other flavors.

Whether you prefer a mild or fiery kick, this Hunan Chicken is easily customizable to suit your spice tolerance. Plus, with a simple cornstarch coating that mimics the velveting technique used in Chinese cooking, your chicken will turn out tender and juicy every time. Serve this delectable dish over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together swiftly, satisfying your craving for a restaurant-quality meal without the wait.
• Adjustable Spice Level: Whether you prefer mild flavors or love the heat, this dish is easily customizable to suit your taste buds by tweaking the amount of sambal oelek or substituting with sweet chili sauce.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Enjoy Hunan Chicken over classic steamed rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The cornstarch coating on the chicken mimics the velveting technique, resulting in remarkably tender and juicy chicken pieces that hold their moisture, even with high-heat cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Enjoy a dish with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal on the table fast without compromising on taste.
• Versatile: Easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste buds – from mild to fiery hot – making it adaptable for different palates in your household.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Develops even deeper flavors overnight, making it ideal for meal prepping and enjoying for up to 3 days.
• Adaptable: Pair with various bases like white rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or cauliflower rice for a versatile meal experience.
• Tender Chicken: The cornstarch coating technique creates tender, juicy chicken with a protective barrier that locks in moisture even with high heat cooking.
• Customizable Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to switch up the veggies to suit your preferences or what you have on hand – snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms are great alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Substitution Options: If sambal oelek is not available, you can substitute with sriracha or another garlic chili sauce for a similar flavor profile.
• Protein Variations: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu to create a unique twist on this classic Hunan dish.

Ingredients for Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry

Stir Fry Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking oil of choice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking oil of choice
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless, thinly sliced
• 1 can baby corn, drained and halved

Hunan Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sambal olek garlic chili sauce or sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium, do not use sweet soy sauce or dark soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Garnish (Optional)

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, finely diced

How to Make Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Hunan Sauce

Combine all Hunan sauce ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine chicken, ¼ cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake bag or toss in bowl to coat chicken evenly.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, frying pan, or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Stir-fry chicken until browned, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry Aromatics and Vegetables

Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 5 seconds. Then add vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Chicken

Add the prepared Hunan sauce to the pan and simmer until thickened for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and mix in the cooked chicken until coated.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the dish with rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions before enjoying.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Hunan Chicken and enjoyed a delicious meal, storing any leftovers is simple. To store the finished dish, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Hunan Chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Please note that the sauce will thicken when cold. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and heat gently in a skillet over medium heat until just hot. While microwaving is an option for reheating, it may result in the vegetables becoming softer than desired.

The flavors of the Hunan Chicken actually develop further overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Whether you want to enjoy it the next day or later in the week, the dish will still taste great. Additionally, you can pair this versatile dish with various bases to suit your preferences. It pairs well with classic steamed white rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken. Enjoy the convenience of flavorful leftovers and explore different ways to enjoy this Hunan Chicken dish!

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian or vegan version of this Hunan Chicken recipe, you can easily swap the chicken with tofu or seitan. These protein alternatives will absorb the flavors of the sauce well and provide a delicious plant-based option. Additionally, you can enhance the dish further by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that all your ingredients are free of gluten. Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This simple swap will allow you to enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten sensitivities while maintaining the rich umami flavor of the sauce.

When it comes to adjusting the spice level of the Hunan Chicken, feel free to tailor it to your taste preferences. If you don’t have sambal oelek on hand, sriracha or another garlic chili sauce can be used as a substitute. You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or adding crushed red pepper flakes. Remember that the spiciness may intensify as the dish sits, so adjust accordingly to suit your desired level of heat.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting your Hunan Chicken in individual lettuce cups for a fun and interactive meal. Simply spoon the flavorful chicken and vegetable stir-fry into large lettuce leaves like butter or romaine, and garnish with sesame seeds and diced green onions for a fresh and crunchy twist. Your guests can then roll up the lettuce cups to enjoy a handheld delight bursting with bold flavors.

Another idea is to transform your Hunan Chicken into a vibrant and colorful rice bowl. Start by layering a base of steamed white or brown rice, then top it generously with the spicy chicken and vegetable stir-fry. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and visual appeal. This hearty and satisfying bowl is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!

FAQs for Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry

Can I customize the vegetables in this Hunan Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can easily adjust the vegetables based on your preference. Popular alternatives include snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.

What can I use as a substitute for sambal oelek if I can’t find it?

If sambal oelek is unavailable, you can use sriracha or another garlic chili sauce as a substitute.

How should I serve this Hunan Chicken dish?

Hunan chicken is best served over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I make this Hunan Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and verify that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

As you savor the last bite of this delicious Hunan Chicken, I hope you feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve created a dish bursting with authentic flavors right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to expand your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. The beauty of homemade Chinese cuisine lies in the ability to customize flavors to suit your taste buds, making each dish a unique and memorable experience.

So next time you’re craving the bold and vibrant taste of Hunan Chicken, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch using this recipe. With a bit of prep and a sizzle in the pan, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that rivals your favorite takeout joint. Embrace the art of stir-frying, play with the heat levels, and make it your own – Hunan Chicken is a versatile and rewarding dish that never fails to delight. Enjoy the process, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delightful meal that brings joy to your table. Happy cooking, and may your Hunan Chicken always be a hit!

Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry

“Hunan Chicken: Spicy, sweet, and savory flavors blend perfectly in this easy stir-fry dish, creating a restaurant-quality meal that beats takeout any day.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineChinese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Stir Fry Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking oil of choice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking oil of choice
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless, thinly sliced
• 1 can baby corn, drained and halved

Hunan Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sambal olek garlic chili sauce or sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium, do not use sweet soy sauce or dark soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Garnish (Optional)

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, finely diced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Hunan Sauce: Combine all Hunan sauce ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine chicken, ¼ cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake bag or toss in bowl to coat chicken evenly.
3. Stir Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, frying pan, or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Stir-fry chicken until browned, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir Fry Aromatics and Vegetables: Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 5 seconds. Then add vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Sauce and Chicken: Add the prepared Hunan sauce to the pan and simmer until thickened for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and mix in the cooked chicken until coated.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish with rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions before enjoying.