Hunan Chicken | The Recipe Critic

Hunan chicken is a tasty take-out favorite that can be made right at home! Tender chicken and veggies are tossed in the signature hunan sauce. It’s savory with a hint of sweet and spicy! This easy one-pan dinner is ready in 30 minutes!

Ingredients to Make Hunan Chicken

Hunan chicken is always a favorite when we eat Chinese food and my kids love that I can make it at home any time they want. It reminds me of my Szechuan chicken, so I know it’s a keeper because it’s simple, delicious, and sure to please the whole family!

Stir-Fry

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Slice the chicken into thin strips.
• Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a crispy texture that holds onto the sauce!
• Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken before it cooks!
• Vegetable Oil: To fry the chicken and veggies.
• Red Bell Pepper: Thinly slice the bell pepper and use any color of bell pepper you like!
• Broccoli Florets: The best stir-fry veggie. I love the crispy texture and the pop of color!

Hunan Sauce

• Vegetable Broth: The sauce base but you can use chicken broth if you prefer.
• Shaoxing Wine: If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, check out my substitution list below in my tips.
• Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce.
• Chili Paste: Hunan sauce is a must with the heat and flavor of the chili paste.
• Garlic: Garlic adds the best flavor to this sauce.
• Ginger: Freshly ginger wins over ground ginger EVERY time because the flavor is next level!
• Honey: Adds a bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce.

Hunan Chicken Recipe

This hunan chicken recipe comes together in 30 minutes! You can’t even have take-out delivered in that time frame. Follow my easy instructions to make this delicious hunan chicken recipe at home.

1. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken to a bag or bowl with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake or mix the chicken to coat it in the cornstarch and seasonings.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently to sear the chicken all over. It will finish cooking with the vegetables. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Veggies: Return to the same pan then add the bell pepper and broccoli. Add a little more oil if needed. Cook the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, until tender.
4. Make the Sauce: Whisk together the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, honey, vegetable broth, and cornstarch.
5. Combine: Add the chicken back to the pan then pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the pan from the heat. Optional garnish ideas include sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hunan chicken over rice, noodles, or on its own!

Tasty Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try!

Asian-inspired dinners are so easy to make at home and always a crowd-pleaser! I have so many delicious recipes that are on repeat at our house. Check out some of our favorites