Go Back
Spicy and Savory Hunan Chicken
Print

Hunan Chicken Recipe

Hunan chicken recipe is a spicy Chinese chicken recipe made using thinly sliced and fried chicken breast coated in a spicy and savory sauce known as the Hunan sauce, together with some stir-fried vegetables such as carrots or broccoli. This spicy Chinese food is similar to other Asian recipes such as the Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, Szechuan chicken, or the Kung Pao Chicken Recipe; Hunan chicken differs from these other Chinese foods in the sense that it is spicier and savory. See their differences below.
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword Hunan Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 337kcal
Author Razi Brown

Ingredients

  • 500 grams boneless Chicken breast Cut into strips
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets
  • ½ cup Baby corn
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper chopped
  • 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch
  • 3 cloves of Garlic minced
  • ½ tsp of grated Ginger
  • 2 tbsp chopped Celery Sticks
  • ½ cup Olive Oil
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper powder
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • ½ cup Chicken Broth
  • 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • ¼ tsp Chili Flakes
  • 2 tbsp of hot fresh Chili Sauce
  • ¼ tsp Salt

Instructions

Seasoning and coating the chicken

  • Start by adding some seasoning to the chicken strips. Add 1/4 tsp of black pepper powder and 1/4 tsp of salt.
  • Stir to coat the chicken and the seasonings
  • Add 1/4 cup of cornstarch (also called Corn flour) into a mixing bowl
  • Using some hand gloves, transfer the seasoned chicken into the bowl containing the cornflour.
  • Coat the chicken with the flour

Frying the chicken

  • Place a pan on the stovetop and add 1/2 cup of olive oil to the pan.
  • Allow the oil to heat up and then transfer the coated chicken into the oil
  • Fry the chicken pieces on one side for minutes and then turn over and fry the other side as well until all the sides are golden brown in color.
  • Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel and keep aside

Making Hunan Sauce

  • In another bowl, add 2 tbsp of cornstarch, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of oyster sauce, and 2 tbsp of hot chili sauce.
  • Also, add 1 tbsp of honey and 1/2 cup of chicken broth
  • Whisk all the added ingredients for the Hunan sauce to combine nicely and your sauce for Hunan chicken is ready. Keep it aside.

Making the Hunan Chicken

  • Using the same pan used for frying the chicken earlier, reduce the oil to about 2 tbsp and then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp of grated ginger; stir fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  • Add the vegetables: chopped celery sticks, chopped red bell pepper, baby corn, and broccoli florets.
  • Cook while stirring for 5 minutes or until all the vegetables are slightly wilted.
  • Next, season with a little bit of salt and 1/4 tsp of chili flakes. Stir to combine and return the fried chicken into the pan.
  • Add the prepared Huna sauce into the pan and stir to combine and coat with all the ingredients and the fried chicken pieces.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes to reheat the chicken and also thicken the sauce.
  • You can turn off the heat after cooking for 5 minutes. Your easy Hunan chicken is ready; you can garnish with some sesame seeds and serve with boiled rice.

Video

Notes

  1. Freezing the chicken breast for 30 minutes makes it easier to cut into thin slices
  2. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying the chicken pieces because the heat will steam them instead of frying them.
  3. Additional vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or eggplant can be added.