Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast tossed with bold Hunan chili paste, fresh garlic, and crunchy scallions for an authentic taste of Hunan cuisine. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, Hunan chili paste, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground white pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the edges are just cooked and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Push the chicken to the side of the wok and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp Hunan chili paste to the center. Stir and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix the chicken and chili mixture together, then pour in 2 tbsp water and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
  5. Step 5: Toss in 3 scallions cut into 1-inch pieces and stir for 30 seconds until they soften but remain crisp. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Hunan Chili Chicken with Garlic and Scallions?

Chinese chinese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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