This easy, sweet-and-spicy chicken is quick to cook and great with rice. It uses simple pantry ingredients and gives a lot of flavor fast.
introduction
Firecracker Chicken is a quick meal with a sticky, spicy sauce. The sauce mixes soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger. You cook the chicken, add the sauce, and let it thicken. It is a good weeknight dinner.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast.
- It needs few ingredients.
- It tastes sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Kids and adults often like it if you adjust the heat.
how to make Firecracker Chicken
Cut or leave the chicken whole. Brown the chicken in a pan. Make the sauce by mixing soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer until it thickens. Serve over rice and top with green onions.
Ingredients :
- chicken breasts or thighs
- soy sauce
- honey
- sriracha sauce
- garlic (minced)
- ginger (minced)
- green onions (for garnish)
- rice (for serving)
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and minced ginger to make the sauce.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the Firecracker Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Enjoy with plenty of extras for lunch!
how to serve Firecracker Chicken
Serve it hot over steamed rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Offer extra sriracha for people who want more heat.
how to store Firecracker Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in a pan over low heat until hot.
tips to make Firecracker Chicken
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Taste the sauce before adding: add more honey to reduce heat or more sriracha to raise it.
- If the sauce won’t thicken, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce while simmering.
- Use a nonstick pan or add a little oil to prevent sticking.
variation (if any)
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for crunch.
- Swap sriracha for chili paste for a different heat flavor.
- Use brown sugar instead of honey for a different sweet note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs are juicier and work well. Cook until they reach a safe internal temp.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The heat depends on how much sriracha you use. Start with less and add more to taste.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the sauce and store it in the fridge for a day. Add it when you cook the chicken.
Q: Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
A: A little oil helps brown the chicken, but you can cook without much oil if you use a nonstick pan.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use firm tofu and cook it until golden, then add the sauce.
Conclusion
For another version with clear steps and photos, see Dinner at the Zoo’s Firecracker Chicken. For budget-friendly tips and a simple shopping list, check Budget Bytes Firecracker Chicken. For a slightly different flavor and serving ideas, read Salt & Lavender’s Firecracker Chicken.
Firecracker Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs Cut into even pieces for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce For the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust for sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce Adjust for desired heat level.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 tbsp green onions (for garnish) Chopped.
- 2 cups rice (for serving) Cooked.
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and minced ginger to make the sauce.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the Firecracker Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
