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Hunan Chicken

A fiery and aromatic Sichuan-style chicken dish with dried chilies, garlic, and a complex spice profile. Bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful.

35 minMediumServes 4340 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6-8 dried red chilies, halved, seeds removed
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 scallions, sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat. Add the 1.5 lbs cut into 1-inch cubes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  2. 2

    Add the 6-8 halved, seeds removed dried red chilies to the wok and toast for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, stirring for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tsp brown sugar.

  4. 4

    Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is coated and the sauce reduces slightly.

  5. 5

    Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately over steamed rice.

Questions

Can I make Hunan Chicken gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Hunan Chicken keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Hunan Chicken?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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