Description
A crispy, irresistible chicken dish coated in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce, perfect for any dinner or appetizer. Tender chicken pieces are deep-fried to perfection and tossed in a tangy, flavorful sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (e.g., 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
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the cornstarch-flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the firecracker sauce until well-coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the firecracker chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair with rice, vegetables, or enjoy on its own!
Notes
- Adjust the heat of the dish by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Keywords: firecracker chicken, crispy chicken, spicy chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken with sauce