Easy Hunan Chicken

Name: Easy Hunan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (cut into strips); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 yellow pepper (diced); 1 cup carrots (peeled and cut into wheels); 2 cloves garlic (crushed); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; salt; ¼ cup + 2 tsp cornstarch; ½ cup chicken stock; 1 tsp honey; 3 tbsp soy sauce; ½ cup chicken stock; 2 tbsp rice vinegar

A flavorful Chinese dinner is always an easy way to win the family over, and this Hunan chicken is no different. You won’t have any vegetables, tender chicken, and delicious sauce leftover after serving this dish.

There is something so wholesome and comforting about chicken and vegetables, smothered in a delicious sauce. I thrive on Asian-inspired recipes like this because they are so easy to make and are usually made from affordable or leftover ingredients. Recipes like this Hunan chicken are also one of the easiest ways to bribe kids into eating their greens.

This quick and easy dish makes for a nutritious lunch or dinner and comes together in just half an hour, so it’s perfect for a busy mid-week meal. I also love to double or triple this recipe when I have more time so I can dig into the leftovers all week long, or serve a big table of hungry eaters.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar makes a deliciously sweet and savory sauce.
You can easily swap out the vegetables with what you have at home.
An easy weeknight meal for the whole family

Ingredients

Time to use up the ingredients in your fridge and pantry! Anything you need to grab at the store should be cheap and easy to find.

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
2 cups broccoli florets
1 yellow pepper, diced
1 cup carrots, peeled and cut into wheels
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
salt
¼ cup + 2 tsp cornstarch
½ cup chicken stock
1 tsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
½ cup chicken stock
2 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Prep time – 15 minutes
Cooking time – 15 minutes
Yields – 4 servings

Toss the chicken in ¼ cup cornstarch, making sure it is coated all over.

In a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, pour in half the vegetable oil and fry the chicken for 2 minutes on each side. Toss with a pinch of salt and take out and set aside.

Drizzle the rest of the oil into the pan and then add all the vegetables and garlic and fry for 5-6 minutes, until cooked but still crunchy.

Add the chicken back in and toss.

In a small bowl, mix together the chicken stock, cornstarch, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar together until smooth.

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and toss over medium heat until the sauce becomes thick and sticky.

What is Hunan Chicken?

Hunan sauce comes from the western Hunan province of China, also known as Xiang cuisine, and typically is made from chicken broth, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, chili bean sauce, and red chilis. I have made my Hunan chicken a little more kid-friendly, so there is less spice in this dish than is traditional, but you can amend as you like.

Variations

Get creative and see how you can make this Hunan chicken your own!

Hunan orange chicken: Add some orange juice and zest into your sauce. Dredge and fry your chicken pieces, then toss in the sauce and vegetables for a unique spin on orange chicken.
Swap out ingredients: You can incorporate other vegetables, like cauliflower, peas, mushrooms, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, and herbs. Change the protein too if you desire.
Hunan Kung Pao chicken: Soak your chicken in the Hunan sauce, with the addition of red chilis, for an extra spicy kick. Then, add chili peppers, peanuts, and your vegetables to the pan and stir fry with the chicken.
Add some sides: This dish goes great with rice, or other Chinese appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings, or Rangoons. Don’t forget these homemade fortune cookies for dessert!

FAQs

Could I use a different meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use shrimp, pork, or beef instead. Cooking times will vary, any of these proteins will make a delicious meal. You could also swap out the meat for a vegetarian alternative, like tofu.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

You can, but make sure to thaw them before adding them into the pan. I prefer fresh vegetables, but if you are trying to use up what you have already, this will work fine.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. If you are going to be eating this dish within a couple of nights, add the sauce in and the ingredients will absorb the flavor, making the dish even more flavorful. If you plan to freeze this dish though, I would recommend waiting to add the sauce until you are ready to serve.

How to Store Hunan Chicken

Let your leftovers cool completely before you transfer them into an airtight container. You can keep the Hunan chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but if you want it to last longer, stick it in the freezer and eat it within 3 months. If you’ve made a big batch, I would recommend freezing the chicken in individual servings so you don’t have to defrost more than you will eat.

When reheating, be sure to defrost the frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight and then either microwave it or place it in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed all the way through.