Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Firecracker Chicken is all about the sauce – it’s sweet, spicy, and tangy, with a depth of flavor that coats the crispy chicken perfectly. The chicken itself is juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with the bold, flavorful sauce. The combination of sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that has the right balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

For the Firecracker Sauce:

1/4 cup sriracha sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon water (if needed to thin out the sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the firecracker sauce: In the same skillet, add the sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Toss the chicken in the sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s fully coated, ensuring each piece gets a generous amount of the firecracker glaze.
Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, a side of vegetables, or on its own as a tasty appetizer.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Option: Add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a spicier kick.
Sweet Version: For a sweeter sauce, increase the honey and decrease the sriracha to balance the flavors.
Grilled Chicken: You can also grill the chicken instead of frying it for a lighter version of the dish.
Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Firecracker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce, or warm it in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to be juicier and more tender. If using breasts, make sure not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Firecracker sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just reheat it before using.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

To make the sauce milder, reduce the amount of sriracha and add more honey to balance the heat with sweetness. You can also omit the ginger for a less intense flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

Can I use a different type of sauce instead of sriracha?

Yes, you can use another hot sauce of your choice, such as chili paste or sambal oelek, for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to serve Firecracker Chicken immediately to keep the chicken crispy, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and then toss them together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it properly and cook it through completely.

Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, shrimp would work well with the Firecracker sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.

What can I serve with Firecracker Chicken?

Firecracker Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the spice and sweetness.

Conclusion

Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful and exciting dish that brings together crispy chicken and a bold, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for serving with your favorite sides. Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or both, this recipe has all the right elements to satisfy your hunger. So, spice up your dinner tonight with Firecracker Chicken — a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress!

Firecracker Chicken

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Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful dish with crispy chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. It’s the perfect combination of heat and sweetness, making it ideal for dinner, a snack, or party appetizers. The sauce made with sriracha, honey, and soy sauce adds a mouthwatering glaze to tender, crispy chicken.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Cook the chicken:
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the firecracker sauce: In a small saucepan, combine sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If too thick, add water to thin the sauce.
Toss the chicken in the sauce: Add the crispy chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to a platter, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or as an appetizer.

Notes

Spicy Option: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Sweet Version: Increase honey to make the sauce sweeter.
Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg