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Flavorful Hunan Chicken Recipe Easy Spicy Crispy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy Hunan chicken recipe featuring crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a spicy, savory sauce with fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, about 2 cups (480 ml) for deep frying
  • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed (optional)
  • 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a medium bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, all-purpose flour, and ½ cup cornstarch until smooth to make the batter.
  3. Drain the marinated chicken slightly, then dip each piece into the batter to coat evenly. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a wok or skillet to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
  5. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Mix chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry in a small bowl to make the sauce.
  7. Remove excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tbsp. Sauté garlic and ginger over medium-high heat for 30 seconds.
  8. Add red bell pepper and green beans; cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  9. Pour the sauce into the wok, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  10. Add the fried chicken back to the wok and toss gently to coat with sauce. Heat through for 1 minute.
  11. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced scallions, and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried greens.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Let fried chicken rest on wire racks to keep crust crisp. Adjust chili garlic sauce to control heat level. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free flour blend. Air fryer option: 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hunan chicken, spicy chicken, crispy chicken, Chinese recipe, stir-fry, dinner, easy recipe, chicken thighs

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/flavorful-hunan-chicken-recipe-easy-spicy-crispy-dinner-idea/