Description
🌶️ This Hunan Chicken recipe brings the bold, authentic spicy flavors of China’s Hunan province right to your kitchen.
🍲 Quick to prepare, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and lean chicken for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast thinly sliced offers lean protein and takes on the flavors well during cooking
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil provides high-heat cooking stability for stir-frying without altering the taste
– 1/4 cup cornstarch coats the chicken for a crispy texture and helps thicken the sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce adds umami and saltiness to the marinade for flavor enhancement
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine infuses a subtle tang and depth into the chicken before cooking
– 2 cloves garlic minced delivers aromatic warmth and complements the spicy notes
– 1-inch piece ginger julienned brings fresh zing and anti-inflammatory benefits
– 2-3 dried red chilies or fresh chopped provides the signature heat and authentic Hunan spice
– 1 bell pepper sliced contributes crunch, color, and vitamins for a nutritious boost
– 1 cup broccoli florets adds texture and essential nutrients like vitamin C
Instructions
First Step: Prepare your ingredients by slicing 1 pound of chicken breast into thin strips and mixing it with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine in a bowl. For vegan adaptations, use tofu instead and marinate it the same way to absorb flavors. This step takes 5-10 minutes for mise en place.
Second Step: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking; for low-calorie versions, use a non-stick pan with less oil.
Third Step: Add minced garlic, julienned ginger, and dried red chilies to the pan, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toss in sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This keeps the veggies crisp adjust for gluten-free by confirming all sauces.
Fourth Step: Pour in a sauce made from 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and additional soy sauce if needed. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Modify seasonings here for dietary preferences, like reducing chilies for milder tastes.
Final Step: Remove from heat and serve hot over rice. Garnish with green onions if desired, making it a complete meal in under 35 minutes total.
Notes
🍗 Freeze chicken for 20-30 minutes before slicing for easier, more even cuts.
🔥 Cook chicken in batches to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
🌶️ Adjust spice by varying chili paste or peppers; substitute bell peppers for milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Sodium: 834mg
- Fat: 9.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10.3g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Protein: 25.7g
- Cholesterol: 72.5mg
Keywords: Hunan Chicken,Recipe,Authentic,Spicy