Save
This Firecracker Chicken makes any dinner feel special with extra crispy pieces of chicken that bake in a sweet and spicy Firecracker sauce. With both American and Asian restaurant inspiration this dish always wins over my family and it is simple enough for a weeknight but tastes like your favorite takeout spot.
When I first tried this recipe my kitchen was packed with friends who could not stop reaching for seconds. Even my spice-shy kids love it with a little less heat.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: for juiciness and flexibility use high-quality chicken with no added solutions for best texture
- Salt and pepper: foundational seasoning enhances natural flavor use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper when possible
- Eggs: for coating and binding choose large pasture-raised for rich flavor
- Vegetable oil: for frying a neutral choice that crisps well you can also use peanut oil for more flavor
- Cornstarch: creates an extra crispy crust sift for lump free coating
- Buffalo sauce: brings heat and tang Frank's Red Hot recommended for bold flavor
- Light brown sugar: balances heat with sweetness choose fresh soft sugar
- Apple cider vinegar: adds brightness use unfiltered for a more complex tang
- Butter: adds silkiness and richness melt it fully for easy blending
- Soy sauce: deepens umami flavor use low sodium if preferred
- Garlic powder: boosts savoriness opt for fresh if you like a little extra kick
- Chili powder: for extra warmth and depth optional but recommended for firecracker heat
- Mustard powder: helps round out the base flavors make sure your powder is fresh for zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and glossy. Set aside so flavors can mingle.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into even two inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels so the coating sticks. Season well with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Egg Wash:
- Vigorously whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy and uniform in color. This ensures they coat every bit of chicken for superior crisp.
- Dust and Double Dip:
- Right before frying coat chicken pieces in cornstarch then immediately dip back into eggs. The double layer guarantees maximum crunch.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 365 degrees. Gently lay in chicken pieces without crowding. Fry three to four minutes per side adjusting heat to keep them golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a wire rack to stay extra crispy.
- Sauce and Bake:
- Toss all crispy chicken in the firecracker sauce coating each piece thoroughly. Transfer to a large baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Oven Bake for Finish:
- Bake chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for ten minutes. Toss again so every piece soaks up more sauce then bake another ten minutes for sticky caramelized flavor.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top hot firecracker chicken with sliced green onions and serve right away over your favorite rice.
Save
My personal favorite part is using Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce which always gives the sauce the right punch without being overpowering. Sometimes my husband and I sneak a few extra pieces right from the pan before it gets to the table because it is that irresistible.
Storage Tips
Store leftover firecracker chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage freeze chicken and rice separately to keep everything tasting fresh. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain crispiness and microwave the rice for convenience.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use chicken thighs for more juiciness although breasts will work if you prefer leaner meat. In a pinch potato starch can substitute for cornstarch. If you want a milder flavor try using sweet chili sauce in place of buffalo. Add extra red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
Serving Suggestions
Firecracker chicken is excellent with plain steamed white rice or with fried rice for a takeout style meal. It is also tasty tucked into a wrap with a little lettuce or over a bed of crisp greens for a hearty salad. Sliced fresh cucumber and extra green onions bring a fresh cool contrast to the spice.
Save
Cultural and Historical Context
Firecracker chicken is an American Chinese restaurant fusion dish inspired by both southern fried chicken traditions and the bold sweet spicy flavors found in Sichuan and American Buffalo style sauces. It brings together the best parts of crispy coating and sticky sauce for comfort food with a lively twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What makes the coating extra crispy?
Double dipping chicken pieces in whisked egg and cornstarch before frying creates a sturdy, crunchy exterior that holds up to the sauce.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and yield juicy, flavorful results with the same technique.
- → How spicy is the firecracker sauce?
The sauce blends buffalo heat with brown sugar for a spicy-sweet taste, but you can reduce heat by using less buffalo sauce or omitting chili powder.
- → Do I have to bake the chicken after frying?
Baking helps glaze the chicken with sauce and locks in flavor, but it's optional if you prefer classic fried bites.
- → What are good sides for this dish?
White rice, vegetable fried rice, or even a crisp salad balance the bold flavors nicely. Naan or steamed vegetables also pair well.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best texture.