Are you ready to ignite your taste buds? Look no further than the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine, where spicy and savory meet in perfect harmony. Specifically, we’re talking about one of the most iconic dishes from this Sichuan province: Hunan chicken. With its rich history dating back centuries, Hunan chicken has evolved into a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, with countless variations to try.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the best of Hunan chicken’s spicy and savory flavors. From classic dishes like Garlic Sauce Hunan Chicken to innovative twists like Chili Pepper Hunan Chicken, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Stay tuned for our roundup of the most authentic and delicious Hunan chicken recipes out there!
Hunan Chicken with Garlic Sauce
Savor the bold flavors of Hunan Province with this spicy and savory chicken dish, infused with the richness of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons Hunan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted peanuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
4. Add chili bean paste and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Return chicken to wok and stir-fry with sauce until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with green onions and peanuts before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry
This Spicy Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional Chinese cuisine, featuring crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 2 tsp Hunan chili paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and snow peas to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together chili paste, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Pour into the pan and stir to combine.
5. Add chicken back to the pan and cook until coated in the sauce, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Style Kung Pao Chicken
This spicy Sichuan dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine, featuring crispy chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers in a savory sauce. With its bold flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chili peppers, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chili bean paste and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir in peanuts, scallions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Authentic Hunan Chicken with Peppers
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this classic dish from China’s Hunan province. This spicy and savory stir-fry is a staple of Chinese cooking, featuring succulent chicken, crunchy peppers, and a depth of flavor that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes or red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for stir-frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if necessary. Stir-fry the bell peppers and garlic until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry until coated with the pepper mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hunan Chicken and Broccoli
A classic Chinese-American dish that combines the flavors of Hunan pepper, garlic, and ginger with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup Hunan pepper paste (or substitute with sriracha sauce)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the broccoli and Hunan pepper paste (or sriracha sauce); stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dry-Fried Hunan Chicken
This recipe brings the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine to your table with a dry-frying technique that results in crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup Hunan chili flakes (or substitute with red pepper flakes)
– Salt, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add chicken and toss to coat.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and Sichuan peppercorns; stir-fry 10 seconds.
3. Add chicken; dry-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through.
4. Sprinkle chili flakes and salt to taste. Stir-fry an additional 30 seconds.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Cashews
Hunan Chicken with Cashews Recipe
A spicy and savory dish that combines the flavors of China’s Hunan province with the crunch of cashews.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 1 cup mixed cashews and peanuts
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, toast the cashews and peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with toasted nuts. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Spicy Hunan Chicken with Green Beans
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Szechuan pepper and chili flakes with the crunch of green beans, all wrapped up in a spicy Hunan-style dish. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 tsp chili flakes
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Hunan chili paste
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add soy sauce, Hunan chili paste, and green beans; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until beans are tender-crisp.
5. Return chicken to pan and stir-fry until coated with the spicy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this simple recipe that combines crispy chicken, spicy peppers, and savory black bean sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your Chinese-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup black bean sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, ginger, chicken, and peppers; cook until chicken is cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together black bean sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and broth. Add to the wok or skillet.
4. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine with this easy-to-make stir-fry recipe that combines juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and crunchy vegetables in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp Hunan chili paste or Szechuan pepper paste
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tbsp of oil and stir-fry mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic for 3-4 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked chicken back into the wok, along with soy sauce, Hunan chili paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for 1 minute.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Chili Peppers
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with a kick of heat from chili peppers, resulting in a spicy and savory dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 large chili peppers (any variety), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons Hunan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add chicken and toss to coat.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chili peppers and cook until slightly charred, 2-3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in Hunan chili bean paste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken and Eggplant
This spicy Sichuan-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine with the tender texture of chicken and eggplant. A perfect blend of savory, sweet, and pungent notes will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add eggplant and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Add garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry until coated with the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Snow Peas
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Hunan chicken and the crunch of snow peas for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Hunan sauce (or to taste)
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and Hunan sauce; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the snow peas and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Hunan Chicken and Tofu
Experience the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine with this quick and easy recipe that combines juicy chicken, tender tofu, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch. Add chicken and tofu; toss to coat.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken and tofu mixture; cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tbsp of rice vinegar. Pour into the wok or skillet; stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Bamboo Shoots
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this spicy and savory dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy bamboo shoots, and a fragrant sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups bamboo shoots, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons Hunan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the wok.
3. In the same wok, add the bamboo shoots, garlic, and ginger paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, chili bean paste, and sesame oil to the wok. Stir until smooth.
5. Return the chicken to the wok and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Bell Peppers
This spicy and flavorful dish combines crispy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its bold flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. In the same wok, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until peppers are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add to wok and stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to wok and cook until coated in sauce, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hunan Chicken and Zucchini
A spicy and savory dish that combines the flavors of China’s Hunan province with the freshness of zucchini, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, garlic, and zucchinis. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet with soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hunan Chicken with Ginger and Scallions
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine, with the warmth of ginger and the crunch of scallions. This dish is perfect for those who love a little spice in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook the chicken until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the wok.
3. In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add ginger, garlic, and scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Return the chicken to the wok. Stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for added heat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds! This collection of 18 authentic Spicy Hunan Chicken Recipes will transport you to the flavors of China. From classic stir-fries to innovative twists, these mouth-watering dishes feature tender chicken cooked in a variety of spicy sauces and paired with crunchy vegetables and nuts. Whether you’re a fan of garlic, ginger, or chili peppers, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, spice up your cooking routine, and discover the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine!
