Authentic Hunan Style Chicken Stir-Fry

Name: Authentic Hunan Style Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast (sliced into thin strips); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp peanut oil; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ginger (minced); 10-15 dried red chilies (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savoury and spicy Hunan style chicken, a Chinese classic with a kick.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Hunan style chicken is a bold and spicy dish originating from the Hunan province in China. Known for its rich flavours and vibrant colours, this dish combines a variety of fresh ingredients like bell peppers, garlic, and ginger with succulent chicken pieces. The characteristic heat of this dish is not overwhelming but offers a delightful punch, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. This version of Hunan style chicken stays true to its roots, capturing the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine with simple yet flavourful ingredients. It's ideal for those who want to explore traditional Chinese cooking techniques and flavours in their home kitchen.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Pro tip: Marinating helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavour.

Prepare the stir-fry ingredients

Slice the bell peppers and mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.

Heat the oil

In a large wok, heat peanut oil over high heat until shimmering.

Cook the chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the wok. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Ensure the chicken is cooked in a single layer for even browning.

Stir-fry the aromatics

In the same wok, add garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add vegetables and sauces

Add bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the wok and add Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Finish and serve

Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss to combine, and serve hot.

Pro tip: Sesame oil is added at the end to enhance flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying happens quickly.
Adjust the amount of dried chili peppers to suit your spice preference.
Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or vegetable oil for stir-frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hunan style chicken?

Hunan style chicken is a spicy Chinese dish from the Hunan province, known for its bold flavours and use of fresh ingredients like bell peppers and dried chilies.

How spicy is Hunan style chicken?

The spiciness can vary depending on the number of dried chilies used. It's traditionally quite spicy, but you can adjust it to your taste.

What to serve with Hunan style chicken?

Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or a simple vegetable stir-fry to balance the meal.

Can I make Hunan style chicken ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

How many calories in Hunan style chicken?

Each serving of this Hunan style chicken recipe contains approximately 320 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hunan style chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice to balance the spicy flavours. For a complete meal, pair it with a light vegetable stir-fry or a simple cucumber salad. This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture and flavours.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

35g

Protein

12g

Fat

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