Firecracker Chicken – Sweet, Spicy & Perfectly Crispy
Bring the heat and flavor to your weeknight dinner with Firecracker Chicken! Sweet, sticky, and spicy, this dish delivers a bold punch without being overpowering. Crispy baked chicken pieces are coated in a sticky sauce made from honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger — the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even casual entertaining, this chicken recipe is both easy to make and impressively flavorful. Serve it with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Firecracker Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce.
- Serve: Plate chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or veggies.
Tips for Success
- Adjust spice level: Reduce sriracha for milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
- Crispy chicken: Pat chicken dry before coating in flour for maximum crispiness.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer longer for a thicker glaze; add a splash of water if too thick.
Serving Ideas
- Serve over jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with roasted broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.
- Drizzle extra sauce on top for those who love an extra kick.
Firecracker Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in oil 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine honey, sriracha, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook 2–3 minutes.
- Add chicken back and toss to coat in sauce.
- Plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warm.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored separately for convenience.
Variations
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or chicken tenders.
- Gluten-free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
- Oven-baked option: Bake coated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes — adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
Can this sauce be made ahead?
Absolutely — prepare up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce honey or add a splash of lime juice to balance sweetness.
