Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Looking to spice up your weeknight dinners? Firecracker Chicken is the perfect dish to bring bold flavors to the table. This sweet, tangy, and spicy dish features crispy chicken bites tossed in a delicious homemade firecracker sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. It’s easy to make, absolutely mouthwatering, and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

this Recipe

What is Firecracker Chicken?

Firecracker Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is typically fried until crispy, then tossed in a fiery sauce made with hot sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar, creating a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. This dish can be easily customized to your preferred level of spiciness and is often served over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Ingredients List for Firecracker Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Firecracker Sauce:

• ⅓ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness, optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Noodles (such as rice noodles or lo mein)
• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)

Substitutions and Variations

This Firecracker Chicken recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Make sure your cornstarch and hot sauce are gluten-free as well.
• Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef if you prefer.
• Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce and omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Baked Version: For a healthier option, skip frying and bake the chicken pieces at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Firecracker Chicken that’s perfectly crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish, and in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Make the Firecracker Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If you want a richer sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken to a large bowl and pour the firecracker sauce over it. Toss the chicken until it's evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Firecracker Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Cook Firecracker Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and egg, then set aside.
3. Fry the chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the firecracker sauce by simmering hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.
5. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the chicken, be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
• Not Coating the Chicken Properly: Make sure to fully coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and egg for a crispy outer layer. Skipping this step can result in less crisp chicken.
• Overcooking the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers. If it cooks for too long, it can become too thick or burn. You want it to thicken just slightly.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Firecracker Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate the dish:

• Serve over steamed rice: Firecracker Chicken pairs perfectly with jasmine or basmati rice, which helps balance the spicy sauce.
• Add stir-fried vegetables: Incorporate stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to make the meal more colorful and nutritious.
• Top with garnishes: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with noodles: Swap out rice for noodles like lo mein, soba, or rice noodles for a different but equally satisfying meal.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken

Here are some great ideas for serving Firecracker Chicken:

• Over rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the spicy sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment.
• With noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with rice noodles or lo mein for a different twist on this dish.
• With vegetables: Serve with stir-fried or steamed veggies such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers to balance out the heat with freshness.
• In lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce wraps and garnish with green onions and peanuts.

Presentation Ideas for Firecracker Chicken

• Garnish with green onions: Top the chicken with sliced green onions for a fresh, bright flavor.
• Add sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a nutty crunch.
• Serve family-style: Present the chicken on a large platter with a side of rice or noodles and let everyone serve themselves.

Firecracker Chicken Recipe Tips

• Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or add a bit more brown sugar. For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or add sriracha.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the firecracker sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it and toss it with freshly fried or baked chicken.
• Extra crispy chicken: For even crispier chicken, fry the pieces in batches and place them on a wire rack after frying. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Coat the chicken as directed, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the dish a richer flavor and juicier texture. Simply cut the thighs into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions.

Can I freeze Firecracker Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Firecracker Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more. The crispy chicken paired with the bold, fiery sauce makes for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you're serving it over rice, noodles, or with vegetables, this dish is sure to impress. Follow this simple recipe, and you'll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy in no time!

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