Fitness / May 26, 2023

Hunan Chicken Recipe

Vibrant Hunan cuisine is yours to discover, starting with this Hunan chicken recipe. Stir-fried chicken mixes with broccoli, red pepper, and zucchini and a tantalizing sauce for an fresh and healthy dish that will become a family favorite.

Table of Contents

what is hunan chicken?

Yes, you should probably know what a dish is before you try to make it. This one hails from China (the Hunan province, to be exact). It is popular among those who like their chicken bold and spicy.

Typically, pieces of chicken breast are stir-fried with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. Aromatic ingredients such as garlic and ginger are responsible for its distinctive taste along with the use of chili peppers or chili paste.

The sauce usually features soy sauce, rice vinegar, and other seasonings for a savory and tangy taste.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
It is a healthy dinner option, especially considering how quickly it comes together.
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spiciness by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce.

Is Hunan Chicken Healthy?

Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and calories.
It features broccoli, zucchini, and red peppers — a variety of vegetables that are rich in minerals and nutrients.
The chicken stock and soy sauce are high in sodium so lower them if your sodium intake is a concern.
We use vegetable oil, which is a common cooking oil. If you want something healthier, substitute olive or avocado oil.

INGREDIENTS

Just a dozen ingredients and you’ll be feasting on Hunan chicken!

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red pepper, diced
2 cups zucchini, peeled and cut into wheels
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
salt
¼ cup + 2 tsp cornstarch
½ cup chicken stock
1 tsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Coat the chicken with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Heat a non-stick pan on MED-HIGH. Add half of the vegetable oil.

Fry

Fry the chicken for about two minutes on each side until golden brown. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté

Drizzle the remaining oil into the pan, followed by the vegetables and garlic. Sauté for around 5 to 6 minutes.

Toss

Return the chicken to the pan and gently toss everything together.

Combine

In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.

Pour

Slowly pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan and stir. Allow the sauce to thicken and become sticky.

DEVOUR!

Variations

Instead of chicken breast, you can use tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork.
Substitute or add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
You can add chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or sambal oelek to increase the heat.
Substitute tapioca starch or arrowroot powder if you want a healthier alternative to cornstarch.

Serving Suggestions

Hunan chicken is usually served with rice or noodles but it’s your dinner, you can serve it with whichever foods you like!

Cilantro Lime Instant-Pot Rice: If you do want rice, I suggest this one. It resembles the rice that Chipotle use and has a hint of lime and cilantro so that it’s not totally devoid of flavor.

Zucchini Noodles (with Pesto Fried Eggs): A Chinese dish such as this one usually requires glass noodles or some other Asian-influenced version of noodles. I’m going to go with something healthier and suggest this zucchini-noodle dish. Up to you whether you want to include the eggs.

Sauteed Zucchini: Well, now I’m on a zucchini kick. Add even more of these green veggies to your dish!

FAQs

My dish tastes bland. What did I do wrong?

You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or honey for sweetness. Personalizing your dish is all about finding the right combination of flavors that suit you.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, make sure that the chicken stock you use is gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How to Store Hunan Chicken

Let the chicken cool completely then store in an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stove. Just ensure the chicken attains an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, first thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Then follow the steps as prescribed above.