Hunan Chicken Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sometimes we have a random appetite where we suddenly crave food that we do not usually have, and it could be pretty tricky to prepare and cook.

But do not worry because even if it is impossible to prepare as soon as you crave it, at least you have an idea of how to cook the food you have been craving, such as some Hunan Chicken recipe. Read through below to find out how to cook this Hunan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.

What is Hunan Chicken?

As the name implies, Hunan Chicken is actually a meal originating in the province of China, Hunan. Hunan is well-known in China as one of the regions that use many tart flavors and chili peppers in most of their local dishes.

The Hunan Chicken embodies both the sour and spicy flavors of the Hunan region, wherein it is a tasty stir fry chicken, mainly chicken breast or chicken belly, mixed with savory and flavorful sauce and vegetables.

Although, you may want to include other vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and celery, depending on your preferences.

Why is the Hunan Chicken Recipe liked by many?

Ever wondered why a number of people love to eat Hunan Chicken? It is not just because of how good it tastes and how numerous people enjoy eating spicy dishes, but it is also because it is a dish that is also healthy.

The healthiest part of the chicken is the breast which is usually used to make Hunan Chicken Stir Fry. Moreover, this recipe has a lot of vegetables which makes it healthier. Most vegetables used in this recipe provide the necessary daily nutrients we need.

Below are the following reasons why people like this recipe:

• The ingredients are quite easy to find, most of them are usually available at home (when you have some stock in your fridge) or at a local grocery store near you.
• The sauce and the tender juicy chicken makes it a crowd favorite.
• It is an ideal meal that is partnered with white rice and some cold soda.

Things you will need in making this Hunan Chicken Recipe

Whenever you start craving Hunan Chicken Stir Fry, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment to cook this dish.

19 Ingredients needed:

• Salt
• White Pepper
• Egg White
• Cornstarch
• Chicken Breast (Or Chicken Belly)
• Cooking oil
• Garlic
• Onions
• Ginger
• Green Pepper
• Yellow Pepper
• Red Pepper
• Welsh Onion
• Rice Vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Hot Pepper
• Celery (optional)
• Broccoli (optional)
• Carrots (optional)

6 Equipment needed:

• Induction Cooker or Stove Top or Electric Stove
• Non-stick Cooking Pan
• Bowls (to put every ingredient and seasonings)
• Spoons (Tablespoon and Teaspoon for measuring)
• Spatula
• Plate

Step-by-step process on how to make Hunan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

If you find it easier to find a recipe by reading the process instead of watching a tutorial, make sure to read through the instructions below on how to make Hunan Chicken Stir Fry recipe:

Step 1: Prepare all the Ingredients and Equipment

Make sure to prepare all the necessary ingredients and equipment, kitchen utensils, and cookware before you start cooking the Hunan Chicken Stir Fry. Once the essential ingredients and cooking instruments needed are prepared, you will have a smooth, easy, and fast cooking time.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken by Velveting

Marinate the chicken breast by putting some salt, white Pepper, and egg white, in a bowl where the chicken is placed and mix it well for the chicken to absorb the marinade.

Once mixed, put enough cornstarch to blend it well on the meat. This process is called velveting, which is pretty much like coating the chicken breast with some cornstarch. Continue mixing until you notice that the chicken breasts are coated with cornstarch. Leave for a while after mixing it well.

Step 3: Preheat the Pan

Make sure to preheat the pan and add ample cooking oil; any cooking oil will do, depending on your preference. This enables us to prepare the chicken breast for cooking. Once the oil is boiling up, put the chicken onto the heated cooking pan and fry the chicken.

Step 4: Deep Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken up on one side and wait until it turns golden brown before flipping it onto the other side, and do the same process as you wait for it to turn golden brown. To make sure that the chicken is fully cooked, you can try using a fork or a knife to cut through the flesh to check if the chicken is well-cooked.

Chickens are supposed to be cooked well, as it is not advisable to eat raw chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, please place it in a separate bowl and leave it on the side as you cook the sauce.

Step 5: Saute the Vegetables and add Some Seasonings

As advised, it is always best when you have prepared the necessary ingredients and have them sliced so that when you start cooking, you will have a smooth cooking process.

This time, add a bit of cooking oil and then cook the vegetables by sauteing the Garlic, onion, green Pepper, red Pepper, yellow Pepper, and welsh onion.

Once you notice that the vegetables are cooked well, you can put 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar in the pan and mix it with the sauteed vegetables. And add half a teaspoon of hot Pepper to the cooking pan.

Also, remember to add 1 teaspoon of seasoned sesame oil. You should also include at least 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Step 6: Add a Generous Amount of Oyster Sauce

As you mix the vegetables with the other seasonings and condiments, do not forget to add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Include a generous amount of clean water, depending on your preference, but a small amount will suffice.

Step 7: Cook the Vegetables Well

While the sauteed vegetables and the seasonings are cooking, you can now include the cooked chicken meat as you prepare the sauce.

Leave it for a few minutes while it cooks and while you prepare the sauce on the side. Add a teaspoon of sugar while you stir the meat and vegetables prior to adding the sauce.

Step 8: Prepare the Sauce

Mix a generous amount of cornstarch and a little water. If the cornstarch is too thick, you can add more water until it becomes not too dense but not too diluted.

Put the cornstarch and water mixture, then cook the chicken and sauce well by stirring them together. Wait a little while until the meat, vegetables, and sauce are well cooked.

Step 9: Make a nice presentation through plating

Place the cooked Hunan Chicken Stir Fry on a plate and do some nice and elegant plating before serving.

Step 10: Serve while it is still hot and devour happily

And then, you are finally done with cooking and preparation of the Hunan Chicken Stir Fry. Once the plating is done, the dish is ready to serve and devoured.

Optional step:

If you want to include other vegetables, such as celery, carrots, and broccoli, you can put them together with the sauteed vegetables and stir them well until it is cooked.

8 Tips and Tricks in Cooking Hunan Chicken Recipes

We have consolidated 8 tips and tricks that can help you when cooking Hunan Chicken Recipes.

Prepare everything

For you not to rush and worry as you cook, it is highly advisable that you prepare the vegetables and the sauce. So the cooking process will be smooth.

Prioritize marinating

Make sure not to skip the marination process because this will ensure that the chicken breast is tender.

Customize and check the heat

Ensure that you preheat the pan and adjust the heat accordingly while cooking.

Chicken should be cooked first

Like any other dish, the chicken should be cooked first to save time as you cook it with the sauce. This is also highly advisable to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked while it absorbs the sauce. Also, make sure not to overcook the chicken.

Vegetables should be dry

You must use dry vegetables for you to achieve the stir-fry texture.

Substitute rice wine for rice vinegar

It becomes juicier and tastier when you use rice wine instead of rice vinegar.

Select a high-quality oyster sauce

Do not use a cheap oyster sauce to ensure that the sauce’s flavor is savory and tastier. It is still better to use a high-quality brand of oyster sauce to maximize the full potential of the taste of your dish.

Use Chili Sauce instead of Peppers

Though for the recipe above, we used chili peppers, it is better if you use chili sauce instead.

3 Common Frequently Asked Questions in Making Hunan Chicken Recipes

We have consolidated the 3 common frequently asked questions in making Hunan Chicken Recipes below:

How do you maintain stir fry chicken tender?

There are various ways to maintain the chicken tender, but if you want to know how it is done in a Chinese restaurant, follow this tip.

Chinese restaurants tenderize the chicken by marinating it well with either cornflour or cornstarch, then make sure to either blanch it in water before stir-frying or directly deep fry it. This Chinese cooking technique is called velveting.

What does Hunan Chicken Taste like?

Hunan Chicken Stir Fry is well-known and well-loved for its spicy and savory flavor.

Is it okay to use other parts of the chicken for this dish?

Yes, it is still possible for you to use other parts of the chicken, as it usually depends on your preference. However, the main reason why chicken breast is preferred by many is that its meat is juicier and more tender.

Just in case you want to watch the entire youtube tutorial and find it easier to follow the steps through the visual learning process, you can do so through this link directing you to the Hunan Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.

Summary

Now that you know the steps to make this Hunan Chicken Stir Fry recipe, you will no longer have to worry whenever you randomly crave one on a regular day. The Hunan Chicken recipe is made from thinly cut chicken breast mixed with various vegetables with hot, spicy, and savory sauces.