Hunan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Hunan Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its spicy and savory flavors. This recipe is easy to make at home and is perfect for dinner or any special occasion. The dish consists of tender chicken strips stir-fried with red and green bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, salt, red chili flakes, and sesame oil. The dish is garnished with sliced green onions before it is served.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Hunan Chicken for 4 portions:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Hunan Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and red chili flakes until combined. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger to the same skillet or wok and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet or wok and pour the soy sauce mixture over the top. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
5. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top and stir to combine.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve hot over rice.

Variations

• Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots.
• Vegan: To make a vegan version of this dish, use tofu instead of chicken and replace the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
• Gluten-free: To make a gluten-free version of this dish, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and use a gluten-free cornstarch.
• Low-carb: To make a low-carb version of this dish, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Conclusion

Hunan Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its spicy and savory flavors, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it is a popular Chinese dish!

FAQ

What is Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is a spicy and savory Chinese dish made with sliced chicken, vegetables, and a flavor-packed sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Hunan Chicken?

To make Hunan Chicken you will need chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine, dried chili peppers, garlic, ginger, green onions, and vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Can I make Hunan Chicken with other meats?

Yes, you can make Hunan Chicken with other meats such as beef, pork, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is traditionally a spicy dish, but you can adjust the level of heat to your preference by adding more or less dried chili peppers.

How do I slice the chicken for Hunan Chicken?

To slice the chicken for Hunan Chicken, make sure to cut against the grain. This will help to make the chicken more tender.

Do I need to marinate the chicken for Hunan Chicken?

Yes, marinating the chicken will help to infuse it with flavor and make it more tender. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I make Hunan Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can make Hunan Chicken in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with Hunan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is traditionally served with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I make Hunan Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Hunan Chicken gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and rice wine, and substituting cornstarch for the flour.

What is the best way to reheat Hunan Chicken?

The best way to reheat Hunan Chicken is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help prevent the chicken from drying out.