Name: Hunan Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thin; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup snow peas; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as sambal oelek); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y’all! If you love bold flavors and crave restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine right at home, this Hunan Chicken recipe is about to be your new favorite. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly spicy, savory sauce, it’s incredibly versatile—ideal for busy weeknights, laid-back gatherings, or anytime you’re in the mood for some heat. Ready for a sizzling and memorable dinner? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hunan Chicken

Quick and easy: Done in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Healthy ingredients: Loaded with lean protein and fresh, vibrant vegetables.
Customizable spice level: Adjust the heat to your family’s taste.
Restaurant-style flavor: Achieves authentic taste with simple ingredients.
Great for meal prep: Stays delicious for days and reheats beautifully.

Hunan Chicken Ingredients List

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1-2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (to taste)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Hunan Chicken: Easy Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper until evenly coated. Set aside while prepping vegetables (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry until golden and just cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Toss in the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just crisp-tender.
Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Make the Hunan Chicken Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan with the veggies. Add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth.
Toss to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and everything is hot.
Taste and adjust spice, salt, or sugar as desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes & Tips for the Perfect Hunan Chicken

Slice all ingredients thinly and evenly for quick, even cooking and restaurant-style results.
If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chili garlic sauce and add more to taste—see this guide to Asian chiles for inspiration.
Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for even juicier results.

Hunan Chicken Variations

Vegetarian Hunan: Swap chicken for tofu or seitan and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Beef Hunan-Style: Use thin strips of flank steak in place of chicken for a beefy twist.
Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice and omit the sugar for a keto-friendly meal.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or wok
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowls
Spatula or wooden spoon

Hunan Chicken Storage Instructions

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
For more food safety tips, see official FDA guidelines.

Hunan Chicken Pairings & Serving Ideas

Serve Hunan Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or hot noodles.
Pair with crisp Asian cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a larger meal.
Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness.

Pro Tips for Amazing Hunan Chicken

Prep all ingredients beforehand—Hunan Chicken cooks fast, so have everything ready before you start.
For a glossy, restaurant-style sauce, don’t rush the simmer step—give the sauce time to thicken naturally.
Use a carbon steel or cast iron wok for best results and authentic wok hei flavor! Learn more about wok cooking techniques.

Hunan Chicken FAQ

What makes Hunan Chicken different from Szechuan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is typically spicier and uses more fresh chilies, while Szechuan Chicken relies on Sichuan peppercorns for a tongue-tingling effect.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them first and drain off excess moisture to prevent a watery stir-fry.

Is Hunan Chicken gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, Hunan Chicken can easily be made gluten-free.

Prep & Cook Times

Prep time: 12 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Hunan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Hunan Chicken

Hunan Chicken Ingredients List