firecracker chicken

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Firecracker Chicken is a simple dish with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s easy to make and full of bold flavor. You fry the chicken until golden, toss it in a quick sauce, and bake it until everything comes together perfectly.

Why We Love This Firecracker Chicken Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about making a dish at home that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. That’s the appeal of Firecracker Chicken. You don’t just eat it—you experience it. The contrast of crispy chicken and sticky sauce creates a textural masterpiece.

This recipe allows you to use either chicken breast or thighs, giving you flexibility based on your preference. It’s perfect when you want a protein-rich, exciting meal without complicated steps. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as leftovers taste just as good the next day.

The sauce is another highlight. It’s made with buffalo sauce and brown sugar for that signature sweet-heat balance, while apple cider vinegar and soy sauce provide depth. You can easily adjust the spice level to match your taste, and serve it with white rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Firecracker Chicken

Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch

Firecracker Sauce:

  • 3/4 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

  • Green onions, sliced (optional)

How to Make Firecracker Chicken Directions

To start making Firecracker Chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F. Begin by preparing the sauce so it’s ready when your chicken is fried. Combine buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix until everything is fully dissolved and set it aside.

Now take your chicken and cut it into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels, which helps achieve that crispy texture during frying. Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Next, whisk your eggs in a medium bowl until you see small air bubbles and the mixture turns a consistent yellow color. Add the chicken to the eggs and let it soak while you heat the oil.

In a heavy skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Aim for 365°F, and ensure it’s hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps seal the outer crust quickly for that crunch you want.

Right before you start frying, coat each chicken piece in cornstarch, then briefly dip it back into the egg mixture. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry in small batches, leaving space between each piece to avoid crowding. Let it fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat slightly if needed, and add more oil between batches if necessary.

As each batch is ready, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over wax or parchment paper to allow excess oil to drain and maintain that crisp texture.

After all the chicken has been fried, toss it in a large bowl with your prepared Firecracker sauce. Coat every piece evenly, then move the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. After the first round of baking, gently toss the chicken again in the sauce from the bottom of the dish and bake for another 10 minutes. This baking step helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken.

Once done, garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Your Firecracker Chicken is now ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken

Serving Firecracker Chicken is as fun as it is flavorful. The bold flavor pairs best with a mild side that lets the chicken shine. White rice is the classic option. It absorbs the extra sauce and balances the heat, making every bite full of flavor without being overwhelming.

You can also try it with vegetable fried rice for added texture and taste. If you want something light and fresh, pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. The crunch of fresh veggies plays nicely with the richness of the chicken.

Another great idea is turning leftovers into wraps or sandwiches the next day. Add lettuce, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of ranch dressing to a tortilla, and you’ve got a spicy chicken wrap you’ll want to make again.

Expert Tips: Firecracker Chicken

  • Get the oil hot enough: Always make sure your oil is fully preheated before you add any chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating won’t crisp and will fall off.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches. Too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature and makes the chicken soggy.
  • Use a wire rack: Skip paper towels. A wire rack lets the oil drip off while keeping the chicken crispy underneath.
  • Customize the spice level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra chili powder if you want more heat. Or reduce the buffalo sauce slightly and add more brown sugar for a milder version.
  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness: Thighs tend to stay juicier than breast meat and add a bit more flavor, especially after frying and baking.

How to Store Firecracker Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to freeze the rice separately if you’re storing both.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm the chicken in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though baking helps maintain some crispiness.

Variation of Firecracker Chicken

  1. Firecracker Chicken Bites: Turn this into a finger food perfect for parties. Cut the chicken smaller, fry, coat in sauce, and serve on toothpicks.
  2. Cauliflower Firecracker: Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets for a plant-based version. Prepare the same way and enjoy a vegetarian twist.
  3. Spicy Honey Glaze: Replace the buffalo sauce with hot honey or mix in some honey with the original sauce for a sweet kick.
  4. Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in butter lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a touch of creamy dressing for a low-carb option.
  5. Firecracker Chicken Tacos: Fill tortillas with the chicken, shredded cabbage, and avocado for a fun and flavorful taco night.

FAQ about Firecracker Chicken

What is Firecracker Chicken made of?
Firecracker Chicken is made with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a spicy-sweet sauce made from buffalo sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.

Can I use store-bought chicken instead?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use plain cooked chicken pieces, though you won’t get the same crispy texture as frying from scratch.

Is Firecracker Chicken very spicy?
It has a noticeable kick but isn’t overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by changing the amount of buffalo sauce or adding chili powder to taste.

Can I make Firecracker Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and fry the chicken ahead. Store it in the fridge and then toss with sauce and bake right before serving for best results.

What’s the best side dish for Firecracker Chicken?
Steamed white rice is the most popular choice. It helps mellow out the spice and soaks up the extra sauce nicely.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Let it rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels, and make sure it’s spaced out. Baking it after frying helps the sauce set without softening the crispy coating.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You can bake the cornstarch-coated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, before tossing in the sauce.

Can I use other sauces?
Absolutely. Try a teriyaki glaze, sweet chili sauce, or even barbecue for a different twist.

firecracker chicken

Firecracker Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, baked to perfection for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pieces eggs (whisked)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¾ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 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
  • Green onions (sliced, optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a bowl, combine buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard powder, and salt. Mix until fully dissolved and set aside.
  • Cut chicken into 2-inch bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until air bubbles form. Add chicken pieces to the eggs and let soak.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.
  • Coat each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip back into the egg mixture before frying.
  • Fry chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack set over wax paper.
  • Toss the fried chicken in a large bowl with the prepared sauce, then transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, then toss again in the sauce and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve.

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Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword Chicken, Crispy, Spicy