Delicious Hunan Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Recipe
Hunan Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
I’d never heard of Hunan Chicken before, and honestly, I kept reading it as 'Human' chicken – definitely not right! But once I looked over the ingredient list, I knew I had to make it. It combines the bold flavors of low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang – and it all comes together with honey for a perfectly balanced sauce. It’s got the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness all in one bite!
My first bite left me speechless, aside from a delighted ‘yum'! The flavors are so pronounced with a definite spice kick. I've had oyster sauce before (and I don't like seafood) and it doesn't taste like seafood at all. Having the chicken with a side of stir fry vegetables and rice balanced out the heat and offered more flavor that I couldn't resist.
• Family-Friendly: YES, my teen, fiancé and I all ate our plates clean
• Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate
• Best Served With: A side of frozen stir fry vegetables, jasmine rice, and topped with sesame seeds. Pair it with a fresh salad or extra stir-fried veggies for a more hearty meal
• Total Cook Time: Less than 20 minutes
What is Hunan Chicken?
Hunan Chicken is inspired by the flavors of the Hunan province in China, known for its bold and spicy cuisine. This dish brings a fiery, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and vegetables.
With tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it's a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. Hunan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and liberal use of chili peppers, making it a fan favorite for spice lovers.
Why You Will Love This Hunan Chicken Recipe
It may have an interesting name, but it's a very flavorful and filling dish. Jace compared this recipe to a hibachi chicken but I thought it had more flavor and spice than traditional hibachi. The flavor is like nothing I've ever experienced before and that's why I think you will love it - if you like to try new meal ideas and you enjoy international cuisines, this is the one for you.
It's fairly simple (don't let the long ingredient list scare you) with a total cook time of less than 20 minutes. If you have more time during the week or the weekend, I would definitely make this recipe. The chicken is tender and perfectly cooked and has a great balance of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, but also impressive enough for weekend guests – a true crowd-pleaser! Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests on the weekend, this dish has the perfect balance of ease and elegance.
If You Enjoy Quick Asian-inspired Dishes
If you love Asian-inspired meals and easy stir fry recipes like we do, you may also want to try:
Healthy Beef Lettuce Wraps
Easy Chicken Hibachi Bowl
Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Note: If you don’t want your chicken to be spicy, you can reduce or omit the gochujang.
Ingredients for Hunan Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
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• 1/2 cup water (or you can use Chicken Broth)
• *3 tbsp Organic low sodium soy sauce
• *2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that gives this dish its signature spice. If you can’t find it, try using sriracha as an alternative! Look for gochujang in the international or Asian aisle of your grocery store, or try an online shop!)
• 1 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for the sauce) + 1/4 cup cornstarch (for the chicken)
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1-2 cups of frozen stir fry vegetables
• 1 cup Jasmine rice
• *Sesame seeds, to top
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
In a bowl, combine and whisk together all of the sauce ingredients: water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
Note: The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken beautifully as it cooks. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly to avoid clumps in your sauce.
✓ Step #2 Prepare the vegetables
Spray a frying pan with PAM or cooking spray and cook the vegetables according to the bag directions. I cooked ours for about 7-8 minutes on medium-high (we like our vegetables crispy and burnt). Remove and add to a separate plate.
✓ Step #3 Cook the chicken
Cut the chicken into small pieces and add them to a bowl. Add in the 1/4 cup of cornstarch and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
To the same frying pan, add 1-2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Top the chicken with more garlic powder and ground ginger and cook the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating.
✓ Step #4 Add the sauce
Pour the Hunan sauce in the pan with the chicken and stir often, for about two minutes until the sauce is thickened. Be sure to stir constantly and keep an eye on the pan while the sauce thickens – it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through for even heating. Keep in mind that the vegetables may soften slightly after reheating, but the dish will still taste just as delicious.
✓ If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends or pin it for later!
✓ Review and rate this recipe so others can enjoy this as well!
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