What is Hunan chicken and what makes it different from other Chinese chicken dishes?

Hunan chicken is a spicy stir-fry originating from China’s Hunan province. It stands out due to its bold use of fresh chili peppers and a balance of hot and sour flavors. Unlike other dishes such as Szechuan chicken, Hunan chicken emphasizes fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers and features a sauce made from ingredients like chili paste, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. It’s commonly served over rice and known for its vibrant, tangy taste and moderate to high spice level.

How do you prepare authentic Hunan chicken at home?

To make authentic Hunan chicken, start by thinly slicing chicken breast and coating it lightly with cornstarch. Pan-sear the chicken until golden brown in batches to avoid steaming. Stir-fry vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and baby corn separately. Then combine the chicken and vegetables with a sauce made from chicken broth, oyster sauce, chili paste, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Simmer until the sauce thickens and serve over steamed rice for a quick and flavorful meal.

How can I control the spice level when cooking Hunan chicken?

To adjust the spice level in Hunan chicken, modify the amount of chili paste or fresh chili peppers used in the sauce. For milder heat, reduce or omit the chili paste and opt for fewer fresh chilies. If you prefer it spicier, add extra chili paste or diced fresh chilies while cooking. You can also balance the heat with a small amount of honey or sugar to add sweetness, which helps tone down the spice without losing flavor.

What are some common vegetable and meat substitutions in Hunan chicken recipes?

Common vegetable substitutes for Hunan chicken include carrots, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, depending on preference and availability. For protein variations, thinly sliced beef or pork can be used instead of chicken. Some recipes also add nuts like cashews or peanuts for an added crunch, although nuts are not part of the traditional Hunan chicken. These substitutions allow flexibility while maintaining the dish’s signature spicy and savory flavor profile.

What is the difference between Hunan chicken and Szechuan chicken?

Hunan chicken and Szechuan chicken are two distinct spicy Chinese dishes. Hunan chicken, from Hunan province, highlights fresh chili peppers and a mix of sour and hot flavors, often including a variety of fresh vegetables. Szechuan chicken, from Sichuan province, is known for its numbing heat caused by Sichuan peppercorns along with dried chili peppers, and typically has a stronger garlic and onion presence. Szechuan chicken may also include nuts like peanuts or cashews, which are uncommon in Hunan chicken.

Hunan Chicken Recipe With Spicy Garlic And Bold Sauces

Name: Hunan Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese (Hunan)
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; – 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced; – 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 1 cup broccoli florets; – 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery; – 1 diced red bell pepper (cored and seeded); – 1 cup canned baby corn (drained and halved); – 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic; – 1/2 cup chicken broth; – 2 tablespoons soy sauce; – 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; – 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; – 1 teaspoon honey; – 2 teaspoons chili paste

Description

🌶️ Dive into the bold and spicy flavors of Hunan Chicken, perfect for those who love a flavorful and vibrant meal.
🍲 This recipe delivers tender chicken and crisp vegetables coated in a rich, spicy garlic sauce that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced

– 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

– 1 diced red bell pepper (cored and seeded)

– 1 cup canned baby corn (drained and halved)

– 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

– 1/2 cup chicken broth

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

– 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon honey

– 2 teaspoons chili paste

Instructions

1-Create the foundation: Begin by slicing your chicken and chopping the vegetables to keep everything organized.

2-Coat the chicken: First, coat the chicken slices evenly with 1/4 cup cornstarch to help them get a nice sear.

3-Cook the chicken: Then, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat and cook the chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side, seasoning with salt and pepper; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on paper towels to keep it crispy.

4-Cook the vegetables: Next, add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender, adding salt and pepper for extra flavor. Stir in 1 cup canned baby corn (drained and halved) and 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

5-Finalize and serve: Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables and pour in the sauce, which you make by whisking together 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 teaspoons chili paste, and the remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, serve it hot over steamed rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Notes

❄️ Freeze chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
🔥 Cook chicken in batches to ensure proper searing and prevent steaming.
🌶️ Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili paste.
✨ Velveting chicken with baking soda before cooking enhances tenderness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Stir Fry
Method: Pan-frying, Sautéing
Cuisine: Chinese (Hunan)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Hunan Chicken, Spicy Garlic Chicken, Stir Fry Chicken, Bold Sauces