Fiery Hunan Chicken

Embark on a culinary adventure from the comfort of your own kitchen with our irresistible Spicy Hunan Chicken recipe. This classic Chinese stir-fry is renowned for its vibrant, fiery flavors and aromatic ingredients, offering a dining experience that truly rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. Forget waiting for delivery – in just about 30 minutes, you can create a sensational Hunan Style Chicken dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to master.

Hunan chicken recipe in a skillet with a spoon.

Imagine the enticing aroma of perfectly seared chicken, the dazzling array of crisp-tender vegetables, and a sauce that delivers a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes with every bite. This homemade Hunan Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. By preparing this dish yourself, you gain complete control over the freshness and quality of your ingredients, allowing for a healthier and more customizable version of a Chinese restaurant classic. Once you savor the genuine, authentic taste of this Chinese Hunan Chicken, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation.

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy chicken dishes, be sure to explore more of our fiery favorites like Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta or our robust Harissa Chicken Traybake.

Contents

What Makes Hunan Cuisine Unique?

Hunan cuisine, also known as Xiang cuisine, hails from the Hunan province in south-central China and stands as one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China. It is celebrated globally for its deeply aromatic, distinctly savory, and often intensely spicy profile. Unlike its Sichuan counterpart, which often relies on the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, Hunan dishes achieve their heat through fresh chilies, chili oil, and chili paste, creating a straightforward, potent warmth that lingers on the palate. Traditional Hunan cooking emphasizes fresh ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a rich blend of flavors that create complex and satisfying dishes. Our Spicy Hunan Chicken recipe captures the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition, bringing its signature taste right to your dining table.

Why Our Homemade Hunan Chicken Will Become Your Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Spicy Hunan Chicken recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how incredible homemade food can be. Here’s why this stir-fry stands out:

A Healthier & Wholesome Choice: When you cook at home, you’re in charge. Our Hunan Chicken recipe allows you to skip the excess oils, artificial flavors, and MSG often found in commercial takeout. By choosing lean chicken breast, fresh, crisp vegetables, and controlling the amount of oil, you create a significantly healthier meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s comfort food made conscious.
Remarkably Quick & Effortless: Designed for modern life, this easy Hunan Chicken dish requires only about 10 minutes of preparation and a mere 20 minutes of cooking. This means a flavorful, restaurant-quality dinner can be on your table in roughly half an hour – making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when time is precious but cravings are strong.
Unforgettable Authentic Flavors: This recipe is crafted to deliver the true spirit of Hunan cuisine. Known for its potent, fresh spice and savory depth, our Hunan Style Chicken delivers a bold flavor profile that will transport your taste buds straight to China. You’ll enjoy the profound satisfaction of preparing an authentic and delectable dish that truly tastes like it came from a specialty restaurant.
Customizable to Your Liking: One of the greatest advantages of cooking at home is the ability to tailor dishes to your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a milder spice, extra vegetables, or a different type of protein, this Chinese Hunan Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile. Adjust the chili paste, swap out veggies, or even try it with other meats – the possibilities are endless for creating your perfect meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Hunan Chicken

Crafting exceptional Chinese Hunan Chicken starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful stir-fry, along with some helpful notes and substitution ideas:

Ingredients needed to make chinese hunan chicken.

For the Tender Chicken:

Chicken Breasts: We recommend 1 ½ lb of lean chicken breasts, cut into uniform strips. This cut becomes wonderfully tender when stir-fried. For a richer flavor and slightly different texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative.
Salt and Ground Pepper: Basic yet crucial seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken. Adjust quantities to your preference.
Cornstarch: Key for achieving that signature crispy coating on the chicken. It also helps to tenderize the meat. All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute if cornstarch is unavailable.
Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. Any light, neutral-flavored oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil will work perfectly.

Vibrant Vegetables:

Broccoli Florets: Approximately 2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces. Broccoli adds a beautiful vibrant green color and a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute with cauliflower florets, snap peas, or even green beans for variety.
Red Bell Pepper: 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces. Red bell peppers offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, contributing a lovely pop of color. Green, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all suitable substitutes and can be mixed for an even more colorful dish.
Carrots: 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces. Carrots provide a touch of natural sweetness and additional crunch. Thinly sliced zucchini or baby corn can be excellent alternatives.

The Signature Hunan Sauce:

The heart of any great stir-fry is its sauce, and our Hunan Sauce is a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and subtly sweet elements that truly defines the dish.

Chicken Broth: Forms the savory liquid base for the sauce. Vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute if needed, though chicken broth offers deeper flavor.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Delivers essential umami and a salty depth. For a gluten-free version of Hunan Chicken, opt for tamari or coconut aminos.
Chili Paste: This is where the characteristic heat of Spicy Hunan Chicken comes from. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level – start with a smaller quantity if you’re unsure, and add more to taste.
Rice Vinegar: Contributes a crucial tangy and slightly sweet counterpoint, balancing the richness of the sauce. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as alternatives.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an extra layer of complex umami and a subtle savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the spicy and savory notes of the sauce. Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are fundamental to Chinese cooking, adding warmth, depth, and a pungent spiciness to the sauce. Finely chopped fresh ginger and garlic are highly recommended, but powdered versions can be used in a pinch (use about ¼ teaspoon of powder per teaspoon of fresh).
Cornstarch: Serves as the thickening agent, giving the Hunan Sauce its luscious, glossy texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For an additional layer of heat and a visual spicy kick. Like the chili paste, adjust to your personal spice preference.

Perfect Garnishes & Serving Suggestions:

Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delicate crunch, elevating the finished dish. Untoasted seeds can be used, but toasting enhances their aroma.
Spring Onion (Scallions): Freshly chopped spring onions provide a mild, oniony freshness and a vibrant green color that brightens the plate. Chives are a suitable substitute.
Cooked Rice: Traditionally, Hunan Chicken is served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Feel free to serve it with your favorite grain, such as quinoa, or even noodles for a delightful change.

Mastering Homemade Chinese Hunan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple instructions to prepare a restaurant-quality Spicy Hunan Chicken in your own kitchen. Precision in each step ensures maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Preparation:

Prep the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your chicken strips with salt and ground pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned chicken. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating is crucial for a tender interior and a slightly crispy exterior when cooked.
Craft the Hunan Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, finely chopped ginger, finely chopped garlic, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set aside.

Cooking Process:

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Once hot, add the broccoli florets, red bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. They should still have a slight bite to them, maintaining their vibrant color and texture.

Combine with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Give the prepared Hunan Sauce another quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.

Simmer to Thicken: Continue to cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens to a glossy consistency, beautifully coating all the ingredients. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the Hunan Chicken. Toss everything together lightly. Serve immediately with a generous portion of freshly cooked rice or noodles to complete your authentic Chinese meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Hunan Chicken Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality Hunan Chicken at home is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks:

Uniform Chicken Cuts are Key: Always strive to cut your chicken breasts or thighs into uniform strips. This consistency is vital for ensuring that every piece cooks evenly, resulting in perfectly tender chicken throughout your Hunan Style Chicken stir-fry. Uneven pieces can lead to some being overcooked while others are still raw.
Boost Flavor with Marination: For an even deeper flavor profile, consider a quick pre-marination. After seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, add a splash of soy sauce and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before coating with cornstarch. This allows the savory flavors to truly penetrate the meat, making your Spicy Hunan Chicken even more delicious.
Master the Cornstarch Coating: When coating the chicken with cornstarch, don’t just sprinkle it on. Toss and gently press the chicken strips to ensure a thorough, even coating. This thin layer is what creates that desirable light, crispy exterior when the chicken is pan-fried, contrasting beautifully with the tender interior.
Heat Control is Crucial: Before adding any ingredients, ensure your skillet or wok is properly preheated over medium-high heat. A hot pan allows the chicken to sear quickly, locking in juices and preventing it from sticking. This is essential for a proper stir-fry technique.
Achieve Perfect Vegetable Texture: The beauty of stir-frying vegetables is their crisp-tender texture. Sauté them for a shorter duration (around 3-4 minutes) for a crunchier bite, or a minute or two longer if you prefer them softer. Always adjust cooking time to your desired texture, keeping them vibrant and fresh.
Customize Your Spice Level: Hunan cuisine is celebrated for its heat, but you’re in control! Easily adjust the spiciness of your Hunan Chicken by varying the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more until it perfectly matches your palate.
Thickening the Sauce to Perfection: If you find your Hunan Sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry. Simply mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the simmering sauce in the skillet and cook for another minute or two until it reaches your preferred luscious consistency.
Elevate with Toasted Sesame Seeds: While optional, toasting your sesame seeds makes a significant difference. Simply dry-toast them in a small, dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn light golden brown and become fragrant. This simple step adds a deeper nutty aroma and enhanced crunch that truly elevates the garnish.
Serve Immediately: For the best culinary experience, Chinese Hunan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after it’s finished cooking. The textures are at their peak, and the flavors are most vibrant.
Versatile Serving Options: While traditionally served with steamed white or brown rice, feel free to get creative. This Spicy Hunan Chicken also pairs wonderfully with noodles, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or additional steamed greens.

Chinese hunan chicken served over rice with chopsticks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hunan Chicken

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious Chinese Hunan Chicken recipe:

What exactly is Hunan Chicken and what does it taste like?

Hunan Chicken is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish from the Hunan province, known for its bold, spicy, and savory flavors. Unlike some other Chinese dishes that use numbing Sichuan peppercorns, Hunan Style Chicken typically gets its heat from fresh chilies and chili paste, delivering a direct and intense warmth. It’s also characterized by its vibrant vegetables and a rich, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly balances the spice.

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While lean chicken breast strips are recommended for their tenderness, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute. Chicken thighs will offer a slightly richer flavor and a juicier texture, standing up beautifully to the bold Hunan Sauce.

How spicy is Hunan Chicken, and can I adjust the heat?

Traditional Hunan Chicken is known for being quite spicy, but the beauty of homemade cooking is that you have full control over the heat level. To make the dish less spicy, simply reduce the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with a smaller quantity, taste, and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of warmth. You can also add a pinch of sugar to temper the heat if needed.

Is this Hunan Chicken recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, making this Chinese Hunan Chicken gluten-free is very simple! You will need to replace standard soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, ensure that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, or substitute it with potato starch or arrowroot powder for thickening.

How should I store and reheat leftover Hunan Chicken?

To store leftovers, allow the Hunan Style Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce seems too thick, you might want to add a small splash of water or chicken broth to restore its desired consistency.

Can I freeze Hunan Style Chicken for later?

Yes, you can freeze the Hunan Chicken itself, but it’s best to freeze it separately from any cooked rice, as rice can become mushy upon thawing. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, possibly adding a little broth or water.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Spicy Hunan Chicken?

This versatile Spicy Hunan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include steamed white or brown rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. Other excellent options are Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Cauliflower Rice for a lighter meal, savory Chili Garlic Oil Noodles, crispy Honey Chilli Potatoes, or a simple side of steamed green vegetables like bok choy or asparagus.

Can I make this Hunan Chicken vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressed and cubed, and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly, or use a suitable alternative. The rest of the vibrant vegetables and spicy sauce will create a delicious meat-free Hunan Style Chicken experience.

Chopsticks pick up a piece of hunan style chicken.

Chinese Hunan Chicken Recipe Card

This spicy Hunan chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken strips, a medley of crunchy vegetables, and an irresistible sauce that will leave you wanting more. Hunan style chicken is a classic stir-fry recipe that tastes better than the version you get at a Chinese restaurant.

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

A spoon serve spicy hunan chicken from a skillet.

Ingredients

For chicken

1 ½ lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into pieces
1 cup red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces

For sauce

½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons chili paste
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

To serve

2 teaspoons sesame seeds, to garnish
2 tablespoons spring onion, to garnish
1 cup cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

In a bowl, combine chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add broccoli florets, red bell peppers, and carrots. Saute the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly cooked.
In a medium bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and mix well. Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Garnish and serve. Finally, add the green onions and sesame seeds to the skillet. Toss everything together. Serve the Hunan chicken with a bowl of rice.

Notes

Cut the chicken into uniform strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a consistent texture throughout the dish.
For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes before coating them with cornstarch. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
When coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure to toss and press the chicken strips gently to ensure an even coating. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
Before adding the chicken, make sure the skillet is preheated over medium heat. This allows the chicken to sear and cook properly without sticking to the pan.
If you prefer crisp-tender vegetables, sauté them for a shorter duration. If you prefer them softer, cook them for a bit longer. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture.
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce in the skillet. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
For enhanced flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This step adds a nutty aroma and crunch to the dish.
Chinese Hunan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Serve with a side of cooked rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Explore More Authentic Chinese Recipes

If you loved this Spicy Hunan Chicken, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic Chinese-inspired dishes from our collection:

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
Shrimp Lo Mein
Chicken Manchurian
Chinese Sesame Chicken
Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken

Final Thoughts on Your Hunan Chicken Journey

We are incredibly excited for you to try this amazing Chinese Hunan Chicken recipe and discover the joy of creating authentic, flavorful stir-fries at home. It’s truly a dish that brings together the best of Chinese cuisine – bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a satisfying kick of spice. We hope this Spicy Hunan Chicken becomes a cherished addition to your family’s mealtime favorites, proving that delicious and healthier alternatives to takeout are well within reach.

If you’ve made this delightful Hunan Style Chicken and enjoyed the experience, we’d be thrilled to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to share your feedback. Your recreations are also a huge inspiration – don’t forget to use our hashtag when you share your delicious dishes on Instagram so we can celebrate your culinary success! Stay connected and find more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips by following Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST. Happy cooking!