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A classic Chinese stir-fry, Hunan Chicken features tender, velvety chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a bold, spicy, and tangy sauce. This authentic recipe balances the heat from dried chilies with the savory depth of soy sauce and aromatics like ginger and garlic, all coming together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Velvet the Chicken & Prepare Sauce
Sear the Chicken
Stir-fry Aromatics & Chilies
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An authentic Sichuan classic, this Mapo Tofu features silken tofu and savory ground pork in a vibrant, fiery sauce. The signature 'ma-la' (numbing and spicy) flavor comes from fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and fermented chili bean paste, creating a deeply satisfying dish best served over steamed rice.
Crisp-tender bok choy quickly sautéed with fragrant garlic and ginger for a vibrant and healthy side dish. This simple recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for any weeknight meal.
Crisp-tender green beans are flash-fried until blistered, then tossed with savory ground pork and a fiery, numbing Szechuan sauce. A classic restaurant-style stir-fry that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
A classic Chinese stir-fry, Hunan Chicken features tender, velvety chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a bold, spicy, and tangy sauce. This authentic recipe balances the heat from dried chilies with the savory depth of soy sauce and aromatics like ginger and garlic, all coming together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
This chinese recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 491.88 calories per serving with 58.95g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook the Vegetables
Combine and Finish
Garnish and Serve
Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or snow peas for more texture and nutrients.
For extra crunch, toss in a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews at the end.
Chicken breast is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
The variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides a rich source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants, which support digestive health and protect against cellular damage.
The capsaicin in the dried red chilies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and may aid in fat oxidation, contributing to overall energy expenditure.
Both are spicy Chinese dishes, but they differ in the type of heat. Hunan cuisine uses fresh and dried chilies for a direct, potent heat, often with a smoky flavor. Szechuan (or Sichuan) cuisine is known for its 'ma la' flavor, a combination of heat from chilies and a unique numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.
Yes, Hunan Chicken can be a healthy meal. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken and loaded with vitamins and fiber from vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth, and serve it with brown rice.
A typical serving of this Hunan Chicken recipe (about 1.5 cups, without rice) contains approximately 450-550 calories. The final count depends on the exact amount of oil used and the size of the chicken pieces.
Absolutely. The primary source of heat is the dried red chilies. Simply reduce the number of chilies used, or for an even milder flavor, snip them open and discard the seeds before adding them to the wok.
If you can't find Shaoxing wine, the best substitutes are dry sherry or Japanese mirin. In a pinch, you can also use a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth with a tiny splash of rice vinegar.