Easy Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Firecracker Chicken is a flavorful Asian-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a bold, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat from hot sauce and sweetness from brown sugar, baked to caramelized perfection. Serve it over steamed rice or with noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ⅓ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge in flour mixed with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Firecracker Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the fried chicken in a baking dish and pour the firecracker sauce over the top.
- Toss to coat the chicken evenly, then bake for 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.