This irresistible Firecracker Chicken is sweet, spicy, and brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes! It’s a quick and easy dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout – only better! This flavor-packed dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Make sure to try these favorites: Chicken Stir Fry, Cashew Chicken and this Honey Garlic Chicken!
Firecracker Chicken Recipe
This easy Firecracker Chicken recipe brings the heat and the flavor in a quick and easy recipe that’s ready to go in under 30 minutes! Juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken are pan-fried until perfectly golden, then tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
This flavor packed recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights and tastes even better than takeout! Serve it over rice or steamed veggies for a dinner the whole family will devour!
Why You’ll Love This Firecracker Chicken Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes: crispy, saucy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat! Served over steamed rice or your favorite grain, it makes a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will devour. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry!
- Bold Flavor – The sweet and spicy sauce is packed with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of vinegar for a flavor punch in every bite.
- Easy and Fast – Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Better Than Takeout – You get all the flavor and crunch of your favorite takeout dish, without the extra cost or mystery ingredients.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – This recipe can be made with either chicken breasts or thighs – your choice! The thighs are great for added moisture and flavor but chicken breasts are something I always have on hand so typically use those in this recipe.
- Cornstarch – Helps the chicken get extra crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Substitute with arrowroot powder if needed.
- Buffalo Sauce or Hot Sauce – Brings the heat! Use your favorite for more or less spice. Swap with Sriracha for a different heat level and flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps balance out the spice in the sauce.
- Garlic & Ginger – Infuse the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
How To Make Firecracker Chicken
Turn up the heat tonight with this irresistible Firecracker Chicken! Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces are tossed in a sweet and spicy homemade sauce that packs the perfect punch. This easy stir fry recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and is delicious served over a side of rice or steamed veggies.
As always, you’ll find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large ziploc bag.
- Add the chicken to the bag.
- Shake the bag to evenly coat the chicken.
- Heat oil in a large skillet and then add chicken.
- Cook chicken until crispy, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully glazed.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate – Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
- Make Ahead – You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken a day in advance to save time.
- Freeze – Cooked Firecracker Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Variations To Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, tofu or beef for a different flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spice level – Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the hot sauce to tone down the heat – add more to increase!
- Add veggies – Stir in sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful, one-pan meal.
Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken
Coat the chicken as directed, then air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with the sauce after cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and work great in this recipe.
Trish’s Tips
- Bite-sized pieces of chicken that are the same size cook more evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken won’t crisp up properly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Giving the sauce a few minutes to thicken before adding the chicken helps it stick better and boosts the flavor.
More Delicious Stir Fry Recipes
Firecracker Chicken
Ingredients
Firecracker Sauce
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce or hot sauce
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
Chicken
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garnish (Optional)
- green onions thinly sliced
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Firecracker Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until brown sugar dissolves. Set aside.⅓ cup buffalo sauce, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste
Chicken
- In a large Ziploc bag, combine cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces and shake to coat evenly.½ cup cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 3 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Working in batches if necessary, add coated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and carefully pour sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is glazed and sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot over steamed rice, if desired.green onions, sesame seeds
Notes
- Refrigerate – Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
- Make Ahead – You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken a day in advance to save time.
- Freeze – Cooked Firecracker Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Wok or Large Skillet | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk
Please see post above for more information, step-by-step process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
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