This Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe is the ultimate stir-fry fix for those craving bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors all wrapped around juicy chicken and crisp vegetables. Inspired by the American-Chinese takeout classic, this dish balances savory soy sauce and fiery chili paste with colorful bell peppers and tender broccoli, all cooked in minutes.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal, this Hunan Chicken tastes even better than takeout. The thick glossy sauce clings to each piece of chicken and vegetable, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

What Kind of Chili Sauce Should I Use?

For authentic heat, Hunan Chicken benefits from sambal oelek or Chinese chili paste. These sauces provide a clean heat without overpowering the other flavors. You can also opt for a blend of sriracha and crushed red pepper if you prefer a more balanced kick. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

Ingredients for the Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe

Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-rich, and cooks quickly. It soaks up the bold sauce beautifully.

Bell Peppers (Red & Green): Add sweetness and crunch while giving the dish vibrant color.

Broccoli Florets: For texture and freshness, broccoli absorbs the spicy sauce and adds balance.

Yellow Onion: Brings a slightly sweet and aromatic base to the stir-fry.

Garlic & Ginger: The backbone of any good stir-fry, these add pungent, earthy depth.

Soy Sauce: Both light and dark soy sauces build a salty, umami-packed base.

Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth that rounds out the heat.

Chili Paste or Sambal Oelek: Delivers that signature Hunan spice.

Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken for a tender texture.

Sesame Seeds (Optional): A final touch of nuttiness and texture.

How To Make the Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss them with cornstarch, salt, and a little soy sauce. Let it sit while you prep the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, a dash of sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Add a splash of water or chicken broth and stir well. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and broccoli until they just begin to soften but still have some bite, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving and Storing Easy Hunan Chicken

Hunan Chicken is best served hot, right out of the skillet. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein for a satisfying plate. For added crunch, serve with a side of crispy wontons or an Asian slaw.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain the texture, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and cut the veggies and chicken in advance. Cook everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Check labels carefully to be sure.

What vegetables can I substitute?

Snow peas, baby corn, zucchini, or mushrooms all work well if you’re out of bell peppers or broccoli.

How spicy is Hunan Chicken?

It has a moderate heat level, but it’s easy to adjust. Reduce the chili paste for less spice, or add chili flakes for more.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will be juicier and just as flavorful in this recipe.

Do I need a wok to make this?

Nope! A large nonstick skillet or frying pan will work just fine for stir-frying.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta for a bold, creamy twist. Or check out the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, a perfect toasted sandwich full of comforting flavor.

If you’re craving a hearty dish, the Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is rich and deeply savory. For a noodle-based option, try Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles — it brings the heat and a little sweetness. And for a one-pan wonder, don’t miss the One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use sambal or something milder? Add more veggies? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others spice it up.

Easy Hunan Chicken Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A spicy, savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken, bell peppers, broccoli, and onions coated in a bold Hunan-style sauce. This dish is quick to make and better than takeout.

Instructions

Toss diced chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, garlic, ginger, and water or broth. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, stir-fry onions, bell peppers, and broccoli until crisp-tender.
Return chicken to pan. Add the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner