Firecracker Chicken

4.8
(41)

Firecracker chicken is very similar to sweet and sour chicken, only much spicier (hence the name). Browning the chicken keeps it moist and tender and if you serve it over rice, the heat is mellowed out.

high angle looking down at a bowl of rice, topped with firecracker chicken
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 3 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

  • ¼ cup canola or peanut oil

  • ¾ cup honey

  • ½ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Crystal®)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (Optional)

  • 4 cups cooked white rice

  • ½ cup thinly sliced scallions

  • toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.

  2. Combine cornstarch, ginger, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Place beaten eggs in a separate large, shallow bowl. Add chicken to cornstarch mixture and toss to coat.

    firecracker chicken ingredients

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering.

  4. While oil is heating, transfer 1/3 of the chicken to dish with eggs and toss to coat.

    diced chicken in beaten egg

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to the hot skillet and cook in hot oil, turning once, until chicken is golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side (chicken will not be cooked through at this point). Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet per new batch (3 batches total).

    pan frying firecracker chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Stir together honey, hot sauce, vinegar, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Pour over chicken in the baking dish and stir to coat.

    pouring firecracker sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, stirring halfway through, 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    baked firecracker chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve over rice and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.

    firecracker chicken over rice

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

From the Editor

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary.

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

854 Calories
21g Fat
119g Carbs
49g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 854
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 26%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 238mg 79%
Sodium 1631mg 71%
Total Carbohydrate 119g 43%
Dietary Fiber 2g 5%
Protein 49g 98%
Potassium 659mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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