Name: Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1-2 tsp chili paste or crushed red pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sesame oil

I’ve always loved bold, spicy flavors, and Hunan Chicken is one of those dishes that never disappoints. It’s a vibrant stir-fry full of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, crunchy broccoli, and tender onions—all tossed in a fiery, garlicky, umami-rich sauce that packs a serious punch. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, this dish always delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

What I love most about this Easy Hunan Chicken recipe is that it comes together fast—just under 30 minutes—and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like takeout, only better, because I can control the heat, the oil, and the freshness. If you’ve been looking for a way to spice up your usual dinner routine, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe

Fast and flavorful – ready in less than 30 minutes with restaurant-level taste
Healthy-ish – loaded with veggies and protein, plus it’s not deep-fried
Customizable spice level – you can adjust the heat based on your taste
Minimal clean-up – everything cooks in one pan
Perfect for meal prep – reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner later in the week

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Hunan Chicken?

For this recipe, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender when stir-fried. That said, if you prefer something juicier and richer in flavor, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Just make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy inside while getting that nice golden sear on the outside.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is flexible, which makes it perfect for adapting to what you have on hand. Here are a few easy swaps:

Chicken → Try shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef for different protein options.
Bell peppers → Use zucchini, snow peas, or green beans if you want a change in texture or flavor.
Broccoli → Cauliflower or bok choy work well, too.
Soy sauce → Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free version.
Chili paste → Sriracha or gochujang can substitute for a different kind of heat.

No matter the substitutions, keep the balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors to preserve the spirit of Hunan-style cooking.

Ingredients for This Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe

Chicken breast
This is the star protein—lean, tender, and quick to cook. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Bell peppers (red and green)
These add vibrant color and a natural sweetness that contrasts the spicy sauce. Plus, they give the dish a satisfying crunch.

Broccoli florets
They soak up the sauce while adding a hearty texture and earthy flavor. Broccoli also makes the dish feel wholesome and complete.

Onion
A chunky-cut onion brings a mellow, sweet sharpness and enhances the overall stir-fry depth.

Garlic and ginger
These aromatics are essential. Garlic gives warmth and bite, while ginger adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.

Soy sauce
This provides that deep umami backbone and saltiness essential to any stir-fry.

Oyster sauce
It adds a slightly sweet, complex flavor that rounds out the sauce and clings nicely to the chicken and veggies.

Rice vinegar
A splash of acidity from vinegar keeps the dish bright and balanced.

Chili paste or crushed red pepper
This brings the signature heat of Hunan cuisine—add more or less depending on how spicy you want it.

Cornstarch
Used to coat the chicken lightly and thicken the sauce just enough to cling to every bite.

Sesame oil
A drizzle at the end offers a nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.

Vegetable oil
Needed for stir-frying everything quickly at a high temperature without burning.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by slicing the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with a bit of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you chop the vegetables—bell peppers, broccoli, and onion—into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste (or red pepper flakes), minced garlic, grated ginger, and a bit of water. This sauce is where all the flavor lives—spicy, savory, and just slightly tangy.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns golden and is cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the onion, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still have a good crunch.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together so the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to all the ingredients.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil for extra flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and top with sesame seeds or green onions if you like a finishing touch.

How Long to Cook the Easy Hunan Chicken

The whole cooking process takes about 15–20 minutes, including searing the chicken and stir-frying the vegetables. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Marinating the chicken: 10 minutes (can be done while prepping veggies)
Cooking chicken: 5–6 minutes
Stir-frying vegetables: 4–5 minutes
Combining with sauce: 2–3 minutes

Everything comes together fast, especially if you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Tips for Perfect Easy Hunan Chicken

Use high heat: Stir-frying needs quick cooking over high heat to get that crisp-tender texture on veggies and a good sear on the chicken.
Prep everything before cooking: Once the heat is on, there’s no time to chop or measure. Have your sauce mixed and ingredients chopped ahead.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer for even browning. Work in batches if needed.
Adjust the heat level: Taste your chili paste first—some are spicier than others. Start with a little and build up.
Add sesame oil at the end: Cooking it too early can dull the flavor. A quick drizzle before serving keeps it aromatic and fresh.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the cornstarch: This little step helps the chicken brown better and gives the sauce that nice, clingy texture.
Overcooking the chicken: It only takes a few minutes. Once it’s no longer pink, pull it out—overcooked chicken turns dry fast.
Adding the sauce too early: Wait until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are nearly done before pouring it in to avoid burning or over-reducing it.
Using low heat: Stir-frying demands high heat to keep things crisp, not soggy.
Crowding the pan: Too much in the pan will steam the ingredients instead of searing them.

What to Serve With Easy Hunan Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The neutral flavor balances the bold, spicy sauce and soaks up every drop.

Fried Rice

Add some extra flavor with a side of egg-fried rice or veggie-fried rice for a fuller meal.

Garlic Noodles

A great companion with a hint of garlic that plays well with the Hunan heat.

Stir-Fried Green Beans

Keep it green with a simple side of crisp green beans, lightly seasoned.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Crunchy, savory rolls add variety and texture to the plate.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Cool, tangy cucumber helps tone down the spice and adds a refreshing element.

Hot and Sour Soup

Perfect for a more complete, Chinese-style dinner—warming, tangy, and comforting.

Kimchi

If you’re a fan of spice-on-spice, a small scoop of kimchi adds a fermented kick that pairs nicely.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Hunan Chicken stores beautifully. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in 30-second bursts until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. While the veggies might lose a bit of crunch, the flavor still holds up great.

Estimated Nutrition

The following is a general estimate per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 330
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg

Keep in mind the nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities you use, especially the oil and sauce brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen stir-fry vegetables. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well so they don’t release too much water into the pan.

Is Hunan Chicken very spicy?

It’s meant to have a good kick, but you can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes.

What’s the difference between Hunan Chicken and Szechuan Chicken?

Hunan Chicken is generally spicier and more straightforward in flavor, focusing on chili heat and garlic, while Szechuan Chicken often includes a numbing sensation from Szechuan peppercorns and a slightly sweeter, more complex sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce while cooking. It’ll thicken as it heats.

Can I cook this ahead of time?

Yes. Hunan Chicken makes a great make-ahead meal. Just keep the sauce and chicken-veggie mix separate until ready to reheat and combine.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course. This dish is very flexible. Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn are excellent additions.

Conclusion

Easy Hunan Chicken is a fiery, flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for those who love bold, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and delivers a delicious punch with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe is a keeper that brings the heat and the flavor every single time.