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Hunan Chicken

Published on August 02, 2026
2 views
Hunan Chicken
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 Servings

This spicy stir-fry with tender chunks of chicken breast and veggies cooks in just 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces 
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon chili bean sauce (toban djan), such as
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, such as Lee Kum Kee Premium
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 5 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar 
  • 2 heads broccoli (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds), stems peeled and florets and stems cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium red, orange, or yellow bell peppers (or a combination), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
  • 1 3/4-inch piece ginger, peeled if desired and coarsely chopped
  • 8 red Thai bird’s-eye chilies, trimmed and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing cooking wine
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, such as
  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, marinate the chicken.
  2. Mix 1 1/2 to 2 pounds sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast with 1 teaspoon of the chili bean sauce, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of the vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar together in a medium bowl with your hands until the mixture feels slightly sticky and the chicken is well-coated. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Add 2 heads bite-sized broccoli florets and stems. Return the water to a boil, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain.
  4. Heat a wok or large 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add half of the chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and cook the remaining chicken. Transfer to the plate.
  5. Wipe out the wok with paper towels. Heat the wok over high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When shimmering, add 5 chopped garlic cloves, 1 (3/4-inch) piece coarsely chopped ginger, and 8 thinly sliced red Thai chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
  6. Add 2 chopped medium bell peppers and stir-fry until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broccoli and stir-fry until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. You can cover the wok for part of this time to help the broccoli soften more quickly, then uncover to let excess steam escape.
  7. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices on the plate to the wok. Add 2 tablespoons Shaoxing cooking wine, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon chili bean sauce. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and everything is coated in a glossy sauce, about 1 minute more. Serve with steamed rice.

Recipe Stats

  • Aug 02, 2026
  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Servings: 4 Servings
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