Name: Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken: A Fiery Delight for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, cut into strips; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into pieces; 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 cup carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons chili paste; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, to garnish; 2 tablespoons spring onion, to garnish; 1 cup cooked rice, to serve

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Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken is a vibrant dish that has captivated taste buds with its fiery flavor and colorful presentation. This recipe features tender chicken strips sautéed until golden, combined with crisp vegetables and coated in a tangy, spicy Hunan sauce. Each bite is a delicious explosion of heat and sweetness that will keep you coming back for more. If you love bold flavors, this dish is perfect for you!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

This dish is not just another stir-fry; it’s a culinary journey into the heart of Chinese cuisine. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with colorful vegetables like broccoli, red bell peppers, and carrots.
Offers a delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Gluten-free option is available, accommodating various dietary needs.
Versatile and can be served with rice or noodles.
Perfect for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers.

Ingredients for Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

Gather these items:

1 ½ lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into pieces
1 cup red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons chili paste
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, to garnish
2 tablespoons spring onion, to garnish
1 cup cooked rice, to serve

How to Make Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, combine chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken strips. Cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add broccoli, red bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour into the skillet and stir in the cooked chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes until everything is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Toss gently to combine. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Adjust the amount of chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination.
Stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
A side of spring rolls for an authentic touch.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. This makes for a fantastic meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy this fiery dish throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors in the sauce. Ensure you achieve the perfect mix of heat from chili paste and sweetness from brown sugar to create a well-rounded dish.

Can I make Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when ready to serve for optimal freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken?

To avoid overcooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor, giving you tender, juicy pieces.

Variations of Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Incorporate more vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Try a different type of sauce, like a sweet and sour sauce, for a unique twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Korean BBQ Meatballs for a different flavor experience. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze.

Spicy Chinese Hunan Chicken: A Fiery Delight for Dinner

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chinese Hunan Chicken recipe is a flavorful and spicy stir-fried dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with colorful vegetables and coated in a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy Hunan sauce.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken strips. Cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add broccoli, red bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour into the skillet and stir in the cooked chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes until everything is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Toss gently to combine. Serve hot over cooked rice.