The sizzle of sliced chicken tossed with fresh vegetables and spicy, umami-packed sauce makes this dish a true weeknight winner. Inspired by the traditional Hunan flavors of central China, this dish is as colorful as it is flavorful, striking the perfect balance of heat and savory depth.
You’ll love how quick and customizable this stir-fry is. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or prepping meals ahead, this spicy Hunan chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Paired with rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a satisfying plate that hits every craving.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 small zucchini, sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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Cooked white rice, for serving
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Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Toss sliced chicken with cornstarch in a bowl and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
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Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture and toss everything together to coat well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins and Essence of Hunan Chicken
Hunan Chicken is a traditional Chinese dish rooted in the rich culinary heritage of the Hunan province, located in central China. This region is renowned for its bold, spicy, and aromatic dishes. Unlike its cousin from Sichuan, which features the numbing heat of peppercorns, Hunan cuisine is known for its clean, sharp spice from fresh chili peppers, garlic, and shallots.
Spicy Hunan Chicken perfectly encapsulates this regional identity. It is a dish that delivers bold flavor without overwhelming complexity. The recipe typically uses lean chicken, crisp vegetables, and a distinctive sauce made with soy, oyster, and chili garlic sauces. The final product is a stir-fry that’s both vibrant in appearance and unforgettable in taste.
Why Spicy Hunan Chicken Stands Out
What makes this dish particularly popular among food lovers is its balance of flavors. It’s spicy, yes—but not in a way that masks the other elements. The umami from oyster sauce, the slight sweetness from hoisin, the tang from rice vinegar, and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger all work in harmony. This is what sets Hunan Chicken apart from other spicy chicken dishes: it’s multidimensional and surprisingly nuanced.
It also offers a healthier alternative to heavier fried takeout meals. By stir-frying lean protein and colorful vegetables in a light sauce, it satisfies without the guilt. Plus, it’s easy to customize the heat level by adjusting the chili garlic sauce or adding fresh chilies.
The Cultural Influence of Hunan Cuisine
The influence of Hunan cuisine stretches far beyond China’s borders. In fact, it’s one of the “Eight Great Traditions” of Chinese cooking. Known as “Xiang” cuisine in Mandarin, Hunan dishes like this one are famous for their vibrant colors and bold aromas.
The province’s humid climate is thought to be a reason for the development of such spicy food—locals believed that hot, spicy foods helped them sweat and regulate body temperature. Over centuries, this style of cooking evolved into a deeply ingrained culinary art form, appreciated worldwide today.
Spicy Hunan Chicken is one of the more accessible introductions to this rich culinary culture. It doesn’t rely on obscure ingredients or complicated techniques, which makes it especially popular among home cooks.
Perfecting the Texture and Technique
The magic of this dish lies not only in its sauce but in its texture. Properly made Hunan Chicken should feature tender chicken with slightly crispy edges, and vegetables that are cooked but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
This texture is achieved through high-heat stir-frying, often in a wok, which locks in the flavors quickly without overcooking the ingredients. A quick coating of cornstarch on the chicken before frying helps create that slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. This method is widely used in Asian cooking to improve both texture and sauce adherence.
Vegetables are usually added after the aromatics, and just before the sauce, ensuring they absorb flavor while retaining their color and bite. The final toss in the sauce ensures every piece is coated in that spicy, savory glaze.
Nutritional Benefits and Healthy Eating
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved among health-conscious eaters is its nutritional profile. Spicy Hunan Chicken can be a balanced meal when paired with a serving of brown or jasmine rice. It includes lean protein, assorted colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, and is typically lower in sugar than many American-Chinese takeout options.
Ginger and garlic, staples in this dish, also offer their own health benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion, while garlic boosts the immune system and has cardiovascular benefits.
If you’re looking to reduce sodium or carbs, you can adjust the sauce quantities or opt for a low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, tamari or coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Spicy Hunan Chicken is not only quick to cook but also great for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more satisfying.
To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and maintain the original texture. Microwave reheating is convenient but may soften the vegetables more than desired.
You can also freeze this dish, though the texture of the vegetables might change slightly upon thawing. For the best results, freeze only the chicken and sauce mixture, then cook fresh vegetables when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Traditionally, this dish is served over steamed white rice, but there are plenty of alternatives. Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work well for different dietary needs. You can also serve it with noodles like lo mein or soba for a change of pace.
Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens for a refreshing contrast to the heat. If you’re entertaining, Spicy Hunan Chicken pairs beautifully with egg rolls, hot and sour soup, or steamed dumplings for a full Chinese-themed menu.
To drink, try a lightly sweetened iced tea, jasmine tea, or even a light beer. These options help mellow the spice and balance the richness of the dish.
Adapting the Dish for Different Diets
Another reason Spicy Hunan Chicken is a favorite in diverse households is its adaptability.
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Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.
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Low Carb: Replace the rice with riced cauliflower and reduce the amount of hoisin sauce to cut down on sugars.
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Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your other sauces (like oyster and hoisin) are gluten-free.
These changes still preserve the core flavors while meeting various dietary needs.
Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Weekly Rotation
Spicy Hunan Chicken earns a permanent spot on your weekly meal rotation because it hits all the right notes: quick, flavorful, healthy, and customizable. It’s a far cry from bland chicken dinners and manages to turn everyday ingredients into something exciting and satisfying.
It’s also budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish makes smart use of time and ingredients.
Conclusion
Spicy Hunan Chicken is a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, delivered in a quick and approachable format. From its cultural roots in the heart of China to its modern-day adaptations around the world, it’s a dish that continues to win hearts and appetites.
Its perfect blend of spice, texture, and vibrant color makes it not just a meal but an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your cooking journey, adding this recipe to your repertoire ensures you’ll always have a go-to dish that impresses and satisfies.