Authentic Hunan Chicken Recipe

This is a very authentic Hunan dish. in China, we call it Spicy Chicken because we have a spicy taste, and it makes for a better meal. even when drinking with friends, this dish is sure to be on the table.
I would recommend using a whole chicken to make this Hunan Chicken, We have the symbol of “auspiciousness”, which means good luck, a good symbol, and the whole chicken on the table symbolizes goodness and reunion!

What is authentic Hunan chicken?

When you see Hunan chicken recipes on certain websites, 90% of them are not authentic. As an authentic Hunanese, I say: Hunan chicken is really delicious! Of course, only for friends who love spicy food!

Remember the only standard for Hunan chicken: spicy, stir fried, fragrant, and satisfying!

What is the difference between Hunan chicken and Sichuan chicken?

Hunan chicken: pursues “spicy, salty and fresh”, with a direct and intense taste that highlights the original flavor of the ingredients.

Sichuan chicken: emphasizes “spicy, fresh and fragrant”, with a complex and mellow taste, and a strong sense of layering.

Choosing the right chicken breed

Check for water-filled chicken wings

Watering down chicken can damage its tissue structure, affect quality and flavor, and may even trigger meat parasites and unhealthy physical reactions. If there are still red pinholes or blackened spots on the chicken wings, it is often a sign of water injection.

Choose chicken that is white in color

The color of chicken meat will become whitish after a live chicken is slaughtered due to bloodletting. If the chicken meat is reddish or blackish, it may indicate that the chicken is sick or dead.

Selecting live chickens that are full of vigor

When selecting live chickens, you should pay attention to their overall condition. Healthy live chickens usually exhibit lively spirits, flexible eyes, and eyeballs that fill the entire eye socket. In addition, the wings should be close to the body, and the hair should be shiny. In particular, avoid choosing chickens with too much meat on their bodies, as such chickens may have been ripened with hormones.

Difference between hen and rooster

Before I answer that question, I’ll talk about both meat quality and nutrition.

nourishment：

Because the hen’s fat content is higher, the meat is loose, the nutrients in it are more able to melt into the soup, and you will also see a layer of clear yellow oil floating on the surface of the stew, with a bright color.

succulent ：

Because roosters are lower in fat, their meat is firmer and has a better taste and texture than that of hens.