firecracker chicken It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth! It's spicy, juicy, meaty and to die for.
Make it tonight and it will become your new favorite.
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Firecracker Chicken is an Asian-inspired dish that's sure to curb those takeout cravings.
It's super crispy and deliciously spicy. Ok, very spicy!
But there's also a bit of sweetness in the mix, so it won't just blow your mind.
Either way, it's a must! So let's take a closer look at this deliciously delicious Firecracker Chicken.
Easy Baked Firecracker Chicken Recipe
If you like sweet and sour chicken but wish it had more kick, I've got just the thing for you!
Firecracker chicken turns up the heat and is a dish I know you'll make again and again.
And while it may look like a typical sweet chicken dinner, looks can be deceiving.
Trust me; this firecracker chicken recipe is sweet, sour and SPICY.
If you can't take the heat, you may want to move to a different kitchen. But if you love spicy, stick around for a while because this recipe is delicious.
Every bite is crunchy on the outside and succulent on the inside. And the sauce is a total umami bomb.
Ready to try it? Lets go cook!
Ingredients
- Cornstarch- Cornstarch is the best coating for chicken. This is how restaurants get their chicken so crispy!
- Ginger- Ginger adds spice and warmth to every bite, and is a staple in many popular Asian dishes.
- Eggs- Shaken, not stirred. The eggs make the chicken sticky and ready for coating. In addition, they provide extra protein and a richer flavor.
- Chicken breasts- Boneless, skinless and cut into small pieces for maximum surface area for breading. That means maximum contraction!
- oil– Canola or peanuts are better because they have a higher smoke point. That basically means they can take the heat, which is important for super crispy chicken!
- Love– Honey adds balance and flavor. The sweetness complements and softens the heat of the hot sauce.
- Hot sauce– That's where the “fire” in “firecracker” comes from. Use your favorite buffalo or hot pepper sauce. I like to use Sriracha, but Frank's is good too.
- Rice vinegar– It is slightly sweet and definitely sour. Rice vinegar adds additional flavor and zing to the sauce.
- Cooked rice– White rice is preferred. However, use whatever rice you like best. Heck, you can even go for noodles if you prefer.
- chives– Chives add some much-needed freshness to balance out the dish. Otherwise it's just a bunch of fried food, which is delicious but heavy.
- Sesame seeds– Toast, of course. Roasting the seeds brings out all of their delicious nutty flavors.
- Condiments– Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Nice and simple.
Tips for the Perfect Firecracker Chicken
- Make sure your oil is hot, hot, HOT! This is crucial to keep the coating on the chicken and to ensure that the outside is crisp.
- Taste the sauce as you prepare it. The recipe is a great base, but feel free to experiment as you go. So add more honey, seasonings or hot sauce as you prefer.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. Chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75°C).
- Meat almost always needs some time to rest, and chicken is no different. This allows the juices to settle into the meat, so every bite is fabulously juicy.
- Make extra meal prep lunch or dinner for the whole week! See storage instructions below for the best way to keep it fresh.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Firecracker Chicken
If you have leftovers, that is…
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To stock:
Firecracker chicken can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 months stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
To reheat:
It's faster, but the microwave isn't the best way to reheat these leftovers. It can leave the chicken a bit rubbery.
However, if you need speed, it still tastes pretty good.
BUT… if you can, the stove is better. Place leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until everything is heated through.
What to Serve with Firecracker Chicken
Since Firecracker Chicken is Asian-inspired, it goes great with other Asian-inspired side dishes, such as:
- Rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Chinese cabbage
- Sauteed vegetables
- Cauliflower rice
Another scary and slightly unique option is to turn it into tacos!
Serve the chicken in a tortilla with pickled red onion, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots. Drizzle some lime on top and HOLY YUM!
More Spicy Chicken Recipes You'll Love
Nashville Hot Chicken
bang bang chicken
Frank's Red Hot Chicken Wings
Chipotle Chicken
