Best Easy Hunan Spicy Chicken Recipe

Hunan spicy chicken stir-fried with fresh chilies delivers bold, fiery heat. A high protein chicken dish ideal for a healthy, spicy family dinner.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 256 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #spicy chicken #stir fry
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 lb
  • red bell pepper 1 pieces
  • fresh green chilies 4 pieces
  • scallions 3 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • cornstarch 2 tbsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 1 tsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
  • ground white pepper 0.25 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 20%
Protein 31 g 48%
Fat 8 g 32%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch; let marinate for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    While the chicken marinates, thinly slice the red bell pepper, green chilies, and scallions. Mince the garlic cloves.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Stir-fry the marinated chicken in a single layer, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 3 minutes). Transfer to a plate.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil, then stir-fry garlic, green chilies, and red bell pepper over high heat for 2 minutes until fragrant but still crisp.

  5. 5

    Return chicken to the wok. Stir in Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, sugar, ground white pepper, and salt. Add remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water). Toss everything over high heat for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens and chicken is just cooked through.

  6. 6

    Add sliced scallions. Stir quickly for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the cornerstone of Hunan spicy chicken, providing juicy texture and high protein. The dish’s bold, fiery identity also centers on the generous use of fresh green chilies, delivering both heat and authentic Hunan flavor.
Q. How do I control the heat level while stir-frying?
Use a wok or skillet over medium-high to high heat, as specified. Sear the marinated chicken until just browned, then stir-fry chilies and aromatics briefly at high heat to maximize flavor but prevent burning. This sequencing and heat control ensure the dish is spicy but not bitter.
Q. How can I keep the chicken juicy and prevent overcooking?
Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and cornstarch, and stir-fry briefly until only partially cooked before removing from the pan. Finish cooking after adding sauces and vegetables; this technique keeps the meat tender and moist, preventing toughness.
Q. What’s the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each 200g serving provides approximately 256 kcal, delivering an impressive 31g of protein. That means protein makes up about 48% of the total caloric value, making this dish an excellent high-protein option for dinner.
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