What is the Firecracker Chicken recipe? Table ablaze (in the best way possible! Imagine the sweet and spicy goodness of General Tso’s Chicken but with an even bigger flavor. Is this one of those dishes that has become a staple because it’s so easy to throw together? What is the taste of it all? My family begs for it constantly! When I want to avoid any potential food waste, or when my pantry is bare bones, this recipe is one. What are some of my go-to dinners? Why is there a reason for this?
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What is a firecracker chicken?
Firecracker Chicken is essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a crispy batter and then served. What are some of the most addictive sweet and spicy sauces? Think of it as a flavor bomb! The name comes from the “fire” (the heat) that you get from chili flakes, balanced perfectly. By the sweetness of the sauce. What is a stir-fry dish? What makes you special? What are some great weeknight meal ideas?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this *Firecracker Chicken Recipe* is how incredibly flavorful it is. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory – it’s the kind of flavor that just makes you want to keep eating! Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, it’s easier than ordering takeout, and I swear it tastes even better. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into it.
Another reason to love this? It’s super cost-effective. Chicken thighs are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are likely already in your pantry. It’s a win-win! And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. You can even throw it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a bit like my Honey Garlic Chicken, but with an extra kick of spice, which I personally find irresistible. Really, what’s not to love?
How do I make firecracker chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make firecracker chicken? What is the best way to fry a chicken? What’s the star of the show? Firecracker sauce? How do you coat a dish until it’s perfectly coated? What is the best way to do a house cleaning in less than 30 minutes? What makes my method special is that I use a double-dredge technique for the chicken, which ensures that my chicken is perfectly cooked. Maximum crispiness. What makes a difference?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why is it important to
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. I always opt for thighs – they stay so much juicier! * 1 cup cornstarch. What is the key to crispy texture? * 1 teaspoon baking powder. This helps the batter puff up nicely. * 1/2 teaspoon salt. * 1 egg, beaten. * 1/2 cup water. I use ice water for an extra crispy result! * Vegetable oil, for frying. Is peanut oil safe to use?
For the Sauce:
* 1/2 cup soy sauce. I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness. Adds the perfect sweetness. * 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. This gives the sauce a lovely tang. * 1 tablespoon cornstarch. To thicken the sauce. * 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil. Don’t skip this – it adds a nutty depth of flavor. * 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best! * 1 teaspoon ginger, grated. * 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference. Start with 1 and add more to taste! * 1/4 cup water.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
How do you pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels? In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Set aside.
Step 2: Batter the Chicken
Now, take each chicken piece and dredge it in the dry mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture and serve. Is it a good idea to mix the dry mixture with the wet mixture again? Double dredge is the secret to crispy texture! Make sure each piece is fully coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt and pepper to taste. When a small piece of batter sizzles immediately when dropped in the pan, the oil is ready. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. How do you remove chicken from grill? Use a slotted spoon to remove excess oil from chicken.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water? Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until thick. When the sauce has thickened, stir it in.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. How do you make sure every piece gets a good coating of firecracker sauce? Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
What is the beauty of this firecracker chicken recipe? How can I get rid of so many things?
What is a classic Asian meal?Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for tastiness. My family loves it with some simple bok choy.
For a Noodle Night:Toss the firecracker chicken with cooked lo mein noodles or udon noodles. What are some of the best green onions and sesame seeds to serve with this dish?
For a Lighter Option:Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps with some shredded carrots, cucumbers and a drizzle of sriracha. What is the best way to enjoy this dish?
For a snack or appetizer:Can you serve it as a party snack? Is it a hit?
When I’m feeling fancy, I love to serve this with some homemade kimchi or a refreshing cucumber. My mom used to make a similar dish, and she always served it with pickled ginger – it’s an old favourite. Tradition I’ve carried on!
How do I make a Firecracker chicken?
After making this *Firecracker Chicken Recipe* countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure that I don’t overcook. It turns out perfectly every time.
What are some of the best crispy chicken recipes?How do you make firecracker chicken crispy? Make sure to pat the chicken dry before battering, and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. What is a double dredge?
Adjust the Spice Level:How much red pepper flakes you use will determine the spiciness of the sauce. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to spices, you can even omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Don’t overcook chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
How do you make a sauce to your taste?If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like it tangier, add more rice vinegar. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serve Immediately:What is the best way to serve this dish immediately after the chicken is tossed in the sauce? If chicken sits for too long, it will lose its crispiness. If you are not serving immediately, keep the chicken and sauce separate and toss together right away. Before serving.
One time, I accidentally added too much red pepper flakes and the sauce was way too spicy. I ended up adding a tablespoon of brown sugar and oats to balance out the heat. What should I do if I make a mistake?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), what are you going to eat? How do you store and reheat firecracker chicken?
Room Temperature: RoomI don’t recommend leaving chicken at room temperature for more than two hours, so don’t even eat it. What do you think about it?
Refrigerator Storage: Store the firecracker chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making the chicken soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or skillet. For the best results, I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. This will help the chicken regain some of its crispiness. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is the quickest option, but the chicken may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This *Firecracker Chicken Recipe* is truly a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – the perfect combination for a weeknight meal. I love that it’s so versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy chicken, you absolutely have to try this recipe. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Orange Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken recipes. They are similar in flavor but offer a slightly different twist. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
How to Make Firecracker Chicken: 5 Spicy Secrets Unveiled!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 eggs whisked
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil plus more if needed
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Cut chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Whisk eggs in a large bowl until well combined. Toss chicken in the eggs to coat completely.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365 degrees F.
- Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch and return to the egg mixture briefly. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove fried chicken pieces to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Transfer fried chicken to a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over it, and gently toss to coat.
- Place the saucy chicken into a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, stir to re-coat the chicken, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with steamed white rice or fried rice.
