Hunan Chicken

This recipe for Hunan chicken is made with tender chicken stir fried with fresh vegetables covered in a spicy authentic Hunan sauce! Ready in under 10 minutes, it tastes like takeout!

Coming from a half-Chinese household, we grew up eating various stir fries that have become more and more popular in Western countries. My dad introduced us to several staples, like Mongolian chicken, pineapple chicken, and Szechuan chicken. Our family favorite was easily the Hunan style chicken. 

Table of Contents

1. What is Hunan chicken
2. Ingredients needed
3. How do you make Hunan style chicken?
4. What is the difference between Hunan chicken and Szechuan chicken?
5. Tips to make the best recipe
6. Storing, freezing, and reheating tips
7. More stir fry dishes to try
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Hunan Chicken (10 Minute Recipe!) (Recipe Card)

What is Hunan chicken

Hunan chicken is a chicken stir fry that originates from the Hunan region of China (as the name suggests). Compared to other Chinese stir-fries, this kind has a spicier kick to it, often in the form of chili paste. 

Now, depending on where in the world you live, Hunan chicken may be prepared differently. It is a popular dish in American Chinese restaurants, which can sometimes use different ingredients and be milder on the spice. However, it’s still just as delicious, and you can always jazz it up to be as spicy as you want it to be!

Why this recipe will be a dinnertime favorite-

• Ready in 10 minutes. From prep the plate, this entire dish cooks up in no time! 
• Healthy and delicious. If you’ve ever eaten Hunan chicken at a restaurant, you’ll know that they are laden with calories and sugary sauces. This homemade version, however, is healthy and nutritious. 
• Tastes like takeout. Okay, so even though we don’t use MSG or any sugary sauces, it tastes just like the real thing. 

Tender chicken and crisp vegetables are covered in a delicious spicy sauce that will leave you reaching for a second helping. The secret to the perfect Hunan chicken is to use a good quality chili paste– We used sambal oelek, and it takes this dish to another level!

Ingredients needed

For the chicken

• Skinless chicken thigh– Chicken thigh is best to use for any chicken stir fry, as it remains moist and juicy and holds the sauce so much better than other cuts. You can use chicken breast if that is all you have on hand. 
• Almond flour OR cornstarch– Blanched almond flour is used to lightly coat the chicken before frying. This helps keep it tender and golden on the outside. 
• Oil– Any neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point. I recommend safflower oil or sunflower oil. 

For the stir fry

• Sesame oil– A must for any good Asian-inspired stir fry! A little goes a very long way, so don’t be too heavy handed with this. 
• Ginger and garlic– A must for any good stir fry!
• Broccoli- Chopped into bite-sized florets. 
• Bell peppers– Any color works, but we love using red bell peppers to give the stir fry extra color! 
• Zucchini– Chopped into bite sized pieces. 

Hunan sauce

• Chicken broth– Also known as chicken stock. This gives the sauce a richer flavor profile. You can also use vegetable broth if you don’t have any on hand. 
• Soy sauce– Use Tamari or gluten free soy sauce if needed.
• Fish sauce– Adds some umami flavor and an extra kick of flavor. 
• White vinegar– Balances out the salty and sweet ingredients. 
• Brown sugar OR substitute– Balances out the soy and fish sauce. Skip the store bought kind and make your own. 
• Chili paste– The key ingredient that distinguishes this chicken stir fry from other stir fries! I like using Sambal Oelek, but any spicy chili sauce can be used! 
• Xanthan gum OR cornstarch– Thickens the sauce and is a fabulous keto substitute for cornstarch. 

How do you make Hunan style chicken?

1. Lightly dust your chicken in almond flour. 

2. Brown your chicken in a pan until no longer pink. Transfer to a plate or dish. 

3. Add the sesame oil and once hot, add the ginger and garlic. Add the remaining vegetables and stir fry until tender.

4. Add the chicken back into the pan.

5. Whisk together the Hunan sauce and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Cook for a further 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. 

What is the difference between Hunan chicken and Szechuan chicken?

Both chicken dishes originate from China from the Hunan province and Sichuan provinces, respectively. However, outside of their origin, they have some key differences. 

While Hunan chicken has slightly spicier properties, Szechuan chicken relies on Szechuan peppers to give it its flavor kick. Szechuan chicken also uses more citrus flavors in it, like orange or lemon juices, which balances out the spicy kick from the peppercorns.

Furthermore, the Szechuan chicken dish often contains nuts, like cashews and peanuts. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• Feel free to adjust the spice level depending on your taste buds. If you’d prefer a spicer Hunan sauce, double the amount of chili paste.
• If you’d like a leaner cut of chicken, you can use finely sliced chicken breast. 
• For a balanced low carb dinner, serve this chicken dish over some cauliflower fried rice. If you don’t follow any specific diet, you can serve this with steamed Jasmine rice. 
• Switch up the vegetables used with other greens, like Chinese broccoli, bok choy, or even eggplant. 

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

• To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. 
• To freeze: Place the Hunan chicken in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
• Reheating: Either microwave for 1-2 minutes or pan fry until warm and sizzling. 

More stir fry dishes to try

• Hunan beef
• Hunan shrimp
• Empress chicken
• Black pepper Angus steak
• Peanut chicken 
• Black pepper chicken

Frequently Asked Questions