Hunan Chicken Recipe – Chinese Hunan Style

Hunan Chicken is a flavorful dish that packs a punch with its spicy, savory sauce. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with crisp vegetables like bell peppers and onions, then coated in a rich, zesty sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from dried red chilies.

What is Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that stands out because of its vibrant spiciness. The Hunan cuisine is famous for its liberal use of fresh chilies and garlic, and Hunan Chicken is no exception. Unlike some other Chinese dishes that use a more subtle heat, Hunan Chicken delivers a powerful punch of spice that’s complemented by savory soy sauce and a splash of vinegar. What makes this dish so irresistible is the layering of flavors, with crispy chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a sauce that ties everything together in harmony.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hunan Chicken

• Adjust the Spice Level: The heat of this dish can be adjusted according to your preference. If you like it milder, reduce the number of dried chilies, or substitute them with milder options like bell peppers. For extra heat, feel free to add a dash of chili oil or fresh chopped chilies.
• Use Dark Soy Sauce for Richness: While light soy sauce adds saltiness, dark soy sauce will give your sauce a richer, deeper color and flavor.
• Marinate Longer: If you have more time, marinate the chicken for longer (up to 30 minutes) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
• Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The vinegar plays a crucial role in balancing the heat of the dish. It adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the spiciness, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
• Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying the chicken on high heat ensures it cooks quickly, retaining its tenderness and creating a nice crispy texture on the outside.

Variations of Hunan Chicken

While the classic Hunan Chicken recipe is always delicious, feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Add More Vegetables: You can increase the number of vegetables by adding baby corn, carrots, or broccoli. These will not only add more color to the dish but will also provide a healthy crunch.
• Hunan Chicken with Cashews: For an added texture and a nutty flavor, toss in a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts at the end of the stir-fry process.
• Swap Chicken for Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the chicken with tofu. Make sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture, and marinate it similarly to the chicken for optimal flavor.
• Spicy Hunan Chicken with Szechuan Peppercorns: To give the dish an authentic Szechuan touch, add a few Szechuan peppercorns to the stir-fry. These peppercorns create a numbing sensation on your tongue that enhances the spiciness of the dish.

Hunan Chicken vs Szechuan Chicken- The Difference

Hunan is originated from the Western Hunan province, Dongting Lake, and the Xiang River region while Szechuan chicken is a dish from the Southwestern China and Sichuan province. In terms of flavor, Chicken Hunan Style is a more pure and simple in taste but it is spicier and oilier dish whereas Szechuan chicken is more flavorful and a sweet-spicy in taste.

In Hunan, stir-frying of the vegetables is done first then adding of other ingredients and marinated chicken is done afterward on low heat. On the other hand, chicken Szechuan involves frying the battered chicken first and then pan-frying the vegetables.

How to Serve Hunan Chicken

Hunan Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed white rice or fried rice to help balance the dish’s intense flavors. You can also pair it with some stir-fried noodles or even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb twist.

For a more complete meal, serve Hunan Chicken alongside stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or even some crispy egg rolls. Pair it with a cool, crisp beverage like iced tea or a chilled cucumber salad to offset the heat.

How to Store Hunan Chicken

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), Hunan Chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze Hunan Chicken for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make Hunan Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Hunan Chicken a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just note that the chicken may lose a little bit of its crispiness.

2. What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a good substitute. You can also use a small amount of white wine or rice vinegar if needed.

3. Is Hunan Chicken very spicy?
Hunan Chicken is indeed spicy, but you can adjust the heat to suit your taste by modifying the number of dried chilies or the amount of chili paste used.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They will add a little more flavor and juiciness to the dish, though they may take slightly longer to cook through.

Still Hungry Try these chicken recipes:

• Szechuan Chicken
• Smoked Chicken Breast
• Homemade Chicken Stew
• Restaurant Style Mongolian Chicken

So, Guys, I hope you enjoy this Hunan chicken which I make on weekly basis. All the Chicken Lovers who are looking for Hunan style chicken will enjoy this recipe. And if you like this recipe then Don’t forget to share it with your friends on Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media platforms.