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Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Firecracker Chicken Recipe

5.3 from 17 reviews

Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy buffalo-inspired sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines a crunchy coating with a sticky, zesty glaze, perfect for a weeknight dinner that will satisfy your craving for bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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

  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Firecracker Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger paste until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this sauce mixture aside.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a large Ziploc bag, combine cornstarch, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag and shake well to evenly coat the chicken with the dry mixture.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook each piece for about 7 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Carefully pour the prepared firecracker sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is well glazed and the sauce has thickened to a sticky coating.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot as is or over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo or hot sauce.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for juicier chicken.
  • Cornstarch can be replaced with all-purpose flour, but cornstarch yields a crispier texture.
  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Firecracker Chicken, spicy chicken recipe, buffalo chicken, crispy chicken, easy weeknight dinner