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Firecracker Chicken

Name: Firecracker Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; Salt/Pepper; 3 eggs, whisked; 1 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed; ¾ cup cornstarch; ¾ cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder, optional; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon salt

ByLily Carter June 17, 2025June 15, 2025

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Firecracker chicken is a delicious, spicy, and sweet dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. With a crispy coating and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of buffalo sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates a unique and mouthwatering flavor profile.
Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Perfect for meal prep: Firecracker chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated for a convenient and tasty meal throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe.
Salt/Pepper: Season the chicken to taste before coating.
Eggs: Whisked eggs help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken until crispy.
Cornstarch: Creates a crunchy coating for the chicken.
Sauce: A combination of buffalo sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, butter, soy sauce, and spices for a flavorful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Dip chicken in whisked eggs, then coat with cornstarch.
Fry chicken in vegetable oil until crispy and golden brown.
In a separate pan, combine sauce ingredients and simmer until thickened.
Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

For extra heat, add more chili powder to the sauce.
For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before frying for maximum flavor infusion.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

Firecracker chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp salad. For drinks, try a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can try this recipe with tofu or shrimp.
How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze the leftovers? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 1 month.

Conclusion:

Firecracker chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!

Lily Carter