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Firecracker Chicken

American · Dinner · Easy

Firecracker Chicken

Total
35 min
Prep
15 min
Serves
4
Calories
375
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Tender chicken pieces wear a sticky hot-sauce glaze with brown sugar, garlic and cider vinegar. The sauce reduces right in the skillet.

The glaze for Firecracker Chicken balances tangy pepper sauce with brown sugar, then reduces until it grips the lightly coated meat. A little cornstarch on the chicken thickens the sauce without making it heavy or pasty.

Use a vinegar-based cayenne hot sauce rather than a thick chile paste. Brown the chicken in two batches, then reunite everything for the short final simmer so each piece stays juicy.

SpicySweetTangyTrendingOne PanWeeknightDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-protein

Method

  1. Whisk the cayenne pepper hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and water in a bowl. Toss the chicken breasts with cornstarch, salt and black pepper in a separate bowl.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half the chicken for , turning until browned on several sides. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining oil and chicken for .

  3. Lower the heat to medium-low. Return all the chicken to the pan and add garlic; stir for until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and simmer for , stirring, until glossy and the chicken reaches 165°F.

  4. Take the skillet off the heat. Scatter scallions over the chicken and spoon the glaze from the pan over each portion.

Forkue tips

  • Serve with plain rice and a crisp cucumber salad to balance the sweet, sharp heat.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet with a little water until the chicken reaches 165°F and the glaze flows again. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Kitchen gear

Large skilletTop picks on AmazonInstant read thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

375Calories
38gProtein
27gCarbs
13gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Firecracker Chicken: FAQ

Can I make firecracker chicken less spicy?

Use a mild cayenne sauce and replace part of it with ketchup. The glaze will be sweeter and less sharp, so taste before adding any extra sugar.

Why did my sauce turn too sticky?

It reduced too far. Add water a tablespoon at a time over low heat until it coats the chicken in a thin, shiny layer.

How do I store and reheat Firecracker Chicken?

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet with a little water until the chicken reaches 165°F and the glaze flows again. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How long does Firecracker Chicken take?

About 35 min in total: 15 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Firecracker Chicken?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, cornstarch, cayenne pepper hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and garlic, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Firecracker Chicken?

Serve with plain rice and a crisp cucumber salad to balance the sweet, sharp heat.

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