This Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful and fiery dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a spicy and savory sauce, then baked to perfection in the oven. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to ignite your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Spicy: The sauce is a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, thanks to the blend of hot sauce, soy sauce, honey, and spices.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
- Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Baking the chicken also makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Firecracker Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, for a lean protein source.
- Firecracker Sauce: See below for ingredients.
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger: Chopped, adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sauce adhere to the chicken.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: Packed, adds a touch of sweetness and balances the spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Hot sauce: Such as Sriracha, adds another layer of spice.
- Ground black pepper: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
Optional Garnish:
- Green onion: Chopped, for garnish and a mild onion flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Firecracker Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Make the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: minced garlic, chopped ginger, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and black pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the chicken and use a brush or spoon to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Bake
Transfer the baking dish, uncovered, to the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the sauce.
- Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the sauce, such as smoked paprika or dried thyme.
How to Serve Firecracker Chicken
- Main Course: This Firecracker Chicken is a delicious and satisfying main course on its own.
- With Sides: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture before coating and baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Use a spicier hot sauce or add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Firecracker Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintFirecracker Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baking
Description
This Firecracker Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a flavorful and fiery weeknight meal. Chicken breasts are coated in a spicy sauce and baked to juicy perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
Firecracker Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Make Sauce: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Coat Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and spread evenly. Flip chicken and repeat with remaining sauce.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 18-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165-170°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Nutrition: Nutritional information is per serving of one chicken breast with sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg