Sizzling Hunan Chicken: A Spicy Delight for Dinner

The sizzle of Hunan Chicken hits the air, blending mouthwatering spices with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. The aroma dances through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table.

Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a bold, spicy sauce that tickles your taste buds and warms your soul. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends at a lively gathering.

There was that one time I made Hunan Chicken for my family reunion, and let’s just say, the bowl emptied faster than my cousin could tell his dad jokes.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor

• Bell Peppers: Use any color you like; they add sweetness and a pop of color

• Scallions: Fresh scallions lend a mild onion flavor and beautiful green accents to the dish

• Dried Red Chili Peppers: These add heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness

• Rice Vinegar: This adds tanginess; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed

• Sugar: A touch of sugar balances out the heat from the peppers beautifully

• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich nuttiness that elevates the overall flavor profile

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic finely. Slice bell peppers and scallions so they’re ready to go.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. The mixture should be uniform with no lumps.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and dried red chili peppers with the chicken. Sauté until fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds; watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers and scallions; cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp. You want them vibrant in color!

Pour in the Sauce: Finally, pour your prepared sauce over everything in the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly; let it simmer for about 2 minutes until thickened.

This Hunan Chicken is not just about following steps; it’s about creating joy in cooking! Enjoy every moment as aromas fill your kitchen and anticipation builds for that first bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sauté garlic and ginger, then add veggies before melting in that spicy sauce to finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to personalize your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Hunan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain its flavor and texture.

Cooking Hunan Chicken always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone devoured it eagerly, with compliments flying around like confetti.

FAQ

What is Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish featuring chicken, vegetables, and bold flavors.

Can I make Hunan Chicken less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of chili sauce or replace it with sweet soy sauce.

What can I serve with Hunan Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal experience.

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Hunan Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Hunan Chicken is a spicy, stir-fried delight that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and bold flavors—all in one vibrant dish. Bursting with heat and flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings where you want to impress. It’s quick to prepare and can be served over rice or noodles, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Let the enticing aroma fill your kitchen as you create a dish that will leave everyone craving more!

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 2–3 dried red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Slice the bell peppers and scallions.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Toss in minced garlic and dried red chili peppers; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in bell peppers and scallions; cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender but crisp.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for about 2 minutes until thickened.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg