Super crispy, sweet, and spicy, this Firecracker Chicken recipe is truly addicting.
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This firecracker chicken is unreal. How can one bite be so crispy, yet so moist? How is it sweet, savory, AND spicy? It has the vibe of take-out with none of the additives and is made right in the comfort of your home. The origins of firecracker chicken are debatable. Some sources claim it is a traditional British dish, made on Bonfire Night (a celebration characterized by its many fireworks) but I think this is unlikely. Others state that it is an American spinoff of Chinese sweet and sour chicken. Either way, this firecracker chicken is DELICIOUS!
This recipe combines the best parts of two of my go-to dishes: the flavor of Buffalo chicken wings and the method of seared chicken, which I make weekly for my family. This bite-sized chicken brings layers of flavor: a nice kick from Buffalo sauce, which also brings a tanginess along with the apple cider vinegar, then a sweetness that only brown sugar could bring. They are coated in egg and cornstarch for a restaurant-style crispiness, then baked to lock in the moisture, creating the most perfect bite of chicken ever.
Undeniably tasty flavor and texture aside, you will love this firecracker chicken recipe because it is quick and easy! It takes just a little over a half hour from start to finish and uses ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Cut, coat, and sear the chicken, pour sauce over, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes! Boom – dinner is served!
Is Firecracker Chicken Healthy?
Chicken is a lean meat and high in protein, so it is certainly healthy. Though we coat it with cornstarch and eggs, it has much fewer carbs than fried chicken. It is also finished in the oven, so it is not in the oil for more than a few minutes. You can also use olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants, instead of vegetable oil. Another substitute you can try is using hot sauce instead of Buffalo, which will make it a bit spicier, but will cut the calories. Also, substitute honey for the brown sugar, and arrowroot or tapioca flour for the cornstarch to make this firecracker chicken healthier. All of these substitutes are compatible with Whole30, paleo, and keto.
The Right Tools for the Job…
This firecracker chicken recipe is already quick and easy, but wouldn’t it be cooler if I could help make it quickER and easiER? Probably. Here are two of my tricks for this recipe, and everyday cooking, that have saved me tons of time in the kitchen.
Kitchen scissors: Using good kitchen scissors has made cutting raw chicken into 1-inch pieces effortless. You know how difficult raw chicken can be to cut with a knife! Also for the green onion garnish (or any garnish), just a couple of snips with scissors, and you don’t even need a cutting board.
Stove-to-oven pan: When I make firecracker chicken, seared chicken, and steak I use my Scanpan or any pan that can go straight into the oven. It is much easier to move the pan from point A to B without transferring your food to another pan and it is so much easier when it is time to clean up! Yes please, I would like to wash one pan instead of two.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup Buffalo hot sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Season and coat chicken; arrange on baking sheet.
Cook
Bake chicken with sauce until bubbly.
Serve
Garnish with green onions.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can make the sauce ahead, cut the chicken to size the day before, store them separately, then cook the next day. Once cooked, store firecracker chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
The trick to crispy chicken bites is ensuring the pan is nice and hot when you sear each side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t be concerned with cooking it through, just brown the outside in the pan.
Yes! To make your firecracker chicken mild, use mild Buffalo sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s Mild and omit the red pepper flakes. To make it not spicy at all, like for little kids, I skip the spice altogether and use soy sauce instead of Buffalo sauce. The flavors work wonderfully together and my kids always ask for more!
Serving Suggestions
Firecracker chicken is great with white or brown rice, or something more exciting like Vegetable Fried Rice. Serve it alongside Grilled Zucchini, Cabbage Stir-Fry, or this delicious Roasted Broccoli.
You can also combine any grain (think Quinoa or Lentil Salad) and a veggie with firecracker chicken to make healthy grain bowls for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. These guys are simple to prep and reheat when you need a healthy, quick meal. Take a look at our healthy and delicious Buddha Bowl recipe or Grilled Tropical Chicken Bowls for inspiration.
Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/3 cup Buffalo hot sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat with cornstarch. Dip into beaten eggs.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
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In a bowl, mix Buffalo sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken on the baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
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Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition
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