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–+ servings
Firecracker Chicken

Quick and Flavorful Firecracker Chicken in 30 Minutes!

A quick and easy Firecracker Chicken recipe that's spicy, sweet, and ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts Can substitute with thighs for richer taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use vegetable or canola oil.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar works for a lower glycemic option.
  • 1/4 cup Water Chicken broth can enhance the flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce E.g., Frank's Red Hot Original.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Rice vinegar can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
For Garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Scallions Sesame seeds or cilantro are great alternatives.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
  2. Cut and Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and coat with cornstarch.
  3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Add half of the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer, frying for about 4 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  5. Cook the Second Batch: Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more olive oil if necessary.
  6. Combine and Sauce Up: Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss until well coated.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with chopped scallions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Customize with tofu or colorful veggies as desired.

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