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Craving a spicy stir-fry packed with vibrant veggies and tender chicken? This Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe brings bold flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. It’s a favorite for takeout lovers who want to recreate the magic at home with wholesome ingredients and simple steps.
Featuring a glossy, garlicky sauce with the perfect kick of heat, this dish pairs juicy chicken breast with crunchy bell peppers, broccoli, and onion. It’s not just a weeknight win—it’s a meal prep champion too.
What Is the Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe?
Hunan Chicken is a spicy Chinese-American dish inspired by the bold flavors of Hunan province in China. Known for its use of chili peppers and garlic, this stir-fry features lean chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and chili paste. Unlike General Tso’s or Szechuan chicken, Hunan Chicken leans more on fresh heat and less on sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable spice: Control the heat to your liking with chili garlic sauce.
- Healthy and vibrant: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Better than takeout: More flavor, less oil, and total control over ingredients.
Ingredients for Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
How To Make the Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Toss the diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add onions, broccoli, and bell peppers. Cook until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
What to Serve with Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, go with cauliflower rice or lettuce cups. Add a refreshing side like cucumber salad or this Easy Asian Slaw for contrast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe
- Cut evenly: Dice the chicken and veggies uniformly for even cooking.
- High heat stir-fry: Use high heat to sear the chicken and veggies quickly without making them soggy.
- Don’t overcook: Keep veggies crisp by not over-stirring.
- Sauce control: Adjust chili garlic sauce to make it milder or spicier to taste.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Hunan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Hunan chicken includes diced chicken breast, bell peppers, broccoli, onions, and a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, chili paste, and sesame. It’s a stir-fry with bold heat and fresh vegetables.
They often use a technique called velveting, where chicken is marinated in cornstarch, soy sauce, and sometimes egg white. It’s then briefly blanched or stir-fried, locking in moisture and softness.
Szechuan chicken tends to be hotter and uses Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation. Hunan chicken uses fresh chili peppers for straightforward heat.
Hunan flavor is bold, spicy, and savory with strong garlic and chili notes. Unlike Szechuan dishes, it doesn’t use numbing spices, focusing instead on fresh heat.
Great sides include steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a light cucumber salad. Asian slaw or sautéed greens also balance the spicy profile.
Not by default, as soy and oyster sauce contain gluten. Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy and oyster sauce to make it gluten free.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
You might also love the comforting layers in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, a dish that delivers crispy, cheesy satisfaction in each bite. Or switch things up with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers.
For even more family-friendly dinner inspiration, try the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta or this reader-favorite Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole. And if you’re feeling cozy, you’ll love the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup on chilly nights.
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If you try this Easy Hunan Chicken, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild? Add mushrooms or snap peas?
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