Brown Sugar and Coconut Body Scrub Exfoliates 
Get The Product!Imagine biting into a plate of Hunan Chicken, where the tender chicken dances with vibrant vegetables, all bathed in a spicy, aromatic sauce that makes your taste buds sing. The heat from the peppers mingles perfectly with the sweetness of the soy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
I remember the first time I made Hunan Chicken for my family; they devoured it faster than I could say “extra rice, please!” The laughter and joy around the dinner table reminded me that food brings people together. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned its place in my heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hunan Chicken recipe makes meal prep simple and enjoyable
- Bursting with flavor, it can easily adapt to whatever veggies are in your fridge
- Its eye-catching colors will brighten any dinner table while being versatile enough for stir-frying or grilling
The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Friends and family always rave about how they can’t get enough of this delightful dish!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on servings required.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor impact; fresh is always better.
Hunan Chili Sauce: Look for a balanced blend that packs heat without overwhelming other flavors.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing umami.
Bell Peppers: A mix of colors not only adds visual appeal but also varying sweetness and crunch.
Green Onions: These add freshness; slice them up just before serving for maximum crispness.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a zesty kick; opt for younger roots for less pungency.
Cornstarch: Essential for giving the chicken its deliciously crispy texture when cooked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing garlic and ginger. Have all your ingredients ready to avoid kitchen chaos later.
Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Hunan chili sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up those bold flavors.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add marinated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften but still retain their crunch—around 3-4 minutes should do it.
Create the Sauce: Stir in any remaining marinade along with cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up nicely. Let it bubble away until glossy—approximately 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate up your stunning Hunan Chicken with freshly chopped green onions on top! Serve it hot over rice or noodles for maximum enjoyment.
Now you’re ready to wow your friends and family with this fantastic Hunan Chicken!
You Must Know
- Hunan Chicken packs a spicy punch and can easily be adjusted to your taste preference
- The vibrant colors and flavors will make it a showstopper at any dinner table
- Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never forget that mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those juices, then sauté the veggies while the sauce simmers for a perfect balance of flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp, or add some cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to maintain tenderness without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an authentic taste, use dried red chilies instead of chili powder
- Ensure your chicken is cut uniformly for even cooking
- A splash of rice vinegar brightens up the dish beautifully
Cooking Hunan Chicken always reminds me of that one time I invited friends over and they couldn’t stop raving about it. They still ask for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I make Hunan Chicken less spicy?
Yes, reduce the number of chilies according to your spice tolerance.
What side dishes go well with Hunan Chicken?
Serve it alongside steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for skinless chicken and load up on fresh vegetables to boost nutrition.
Hunan Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hunan Chicken is a vibrant and spicy dish that brings the heat and flavor to your dinner table. Tender chicken mingles with colorful bell peppers, all enveloped in a tantalizing Hunan chili sauce. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any occasion into a festive gathering. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, Hunan Chicken is sure to impress with its bold flavors and delightful aroma.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Hunan chili sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, green)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Hunan chili sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften but retain crunch.
- Stir in any remaining marinade along with cornstarch water mixture to thicken the sauce, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
