Sweet ‘n Spicy Firecracker Chicken

Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. Try it tonight!

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken – Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. | thecomfortofcooking.com

Do you ever get in a cooking rut?

Well, I have been in a no-cook rut lately, and it’s called caprese. Tomato, basil and mozzarella are my obsession. Stacked in a salad, melted into crisp ciabatta loaves, and topping grilled meats is the way I could eat it all day, every day. But, since hubby doesn’t share the same affection for repeating the same thing multiple times per week, keeping meals interesting (yet easy) has been my mission!

The only thing we love just as much as Italian food? A scrumptious homemade twist on Asian take-out! And since I’m always looking for ways to jazz up chicken breasts, this zesty chicken and rice dish totally fit the bill for a Friday date night in.

You could say it’s chopstick-lickin’ good!

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken – Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. | thecomfortofcooking.com

Using Gold’n Plump® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Portions kept the prep work easy, since they’re perfectly trimmed and portioned for any recipes calling for cut-up chicken. This mama-to-be could always use a little more ease in her life, after all! I love to use Gold’n Plump all-natural chicken in pastas, stir fries, and grilled chicken sandwiches. As the weather warms, we’re always outside cooking something delicious on the grill, so these Chicken Breast Portions are great to have handy!

Click here to read more on Gold’n Plump’s Chicken Difference mission – It’s a fun little graphic explaining how Gold’n Plump chicken rises above the rest in quality and value. Pretty convincing, if you ask me!

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken – Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. | thecomfortofcooking.com
Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken – Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. | thecomfortofcooking.com

Now, let’s get back to the good stuff!

Today, we’re talking spicy, sticky and super delicious meals for weeknights, and this Sweet ‘n Spicy Firecracker Chicken is a major favorite. Don’t try to fool yourself into thinking it’s naughty just because it’s fried, though. I love to toss in some frozen mixed vegetables (pre-cook in a pan or microwave) and serve the big, colorful bowlful with a couple of chopsticks… no rice needed!

However you dish it up, you’re going to absolutely love this mouthwatering meal. All you need is good quality chicken, some pantry staples, and a craving for something different yet delicious!

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken – Crispy, sticky and spicy chicken served over rice (or tossed with mixed Asian veggies) makes for a colorful and delish weeknight meal. | thecomfortofcooking.com

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken

Sweet 'n Spicy Firecracker Chicken

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce, I used Frank’s Red Hot
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound Gold’n Plump® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Portions, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • For serving:, optional
  • Hot cooked rice
  • Chopped scallions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, gently toss chicken pieces with cornstarch. Beat eggs in a separate bowl or shallow dish. Dip chicken pieces into eggs.
  4. Add oil to a large nonstick skillet set to medium-high heat. Once hot, fry chicken until golden brown but not fully cooked, 3-4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess oil.
  5. Add chicken to prepared baking dish and top with buffalo sauce mixture. Bake until sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes, turning over chicken pieces halfway through cooking time.   Serve over rice and top with chopped scallions, if desired.
  6. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

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Join the Conversation

  1. Mmm I’ve had firecracker chicken over baked potatoes once before, and it was delicious! I love the kick it has to it. Gotta get around to make it myself :D Thanks for a great recipe missy, and have a wonderful weekend :) Thank Faramir it’s Friday! x

  2. YUM. I have never made firecracker chicken, but I know I would love this recipe. It looks delicious!

  3. This look absolutely delicious! So perfect for a night in for sure!

  4. I could very easily eat this meal over and over and over again! Love the apple cider/pepper flakes combo – and look at all those veggies – oh. so. yum!!!
    Happy to-be mother’s day, Georgia!

  5. I do love firecracker chicken but usually don’t get it because it’s fried. But this I’m going to try. Nothing wrong with a little naughty once in a while.

  6. What a wonderful dish, I just love sweet, spicy and savory meals, they are my all-time favorites!

  7. Yes! I’ve gotten into many a cooking ruts in my lifetime. I think this hear could pull right out of the one I’m in. But I can already tell this would want to be in my life for a very long time!
    Looks amazing.
    Have a beautiful weekend Georgia!

  8. Sweet and spicy is something that your mouth just craves. Simple ingredients and a simple recipe looks like a fun just in time recipe for this weekend. Wishing you a super weekend. Take Care, BAM

  9. I am totally in a cooking rut… you have freed me from it, with this chicken!

  10. I have never had firecracker chicken…it looks so inviting!

  11. This looks delicious! And may be just the thing to pull me out of my no cooking rut too! Although I am now firmly craving a caprese salad! Pinned!

  12. i dont cook chicken very often but this recipe looks so good i just might have to make an exception!

  13. That golden crust and that sauce make this chicken look so appetizing! I would love to try this…pinning!

  14. This is a meal that my household would love! Sweet and spicy is the best!

  15. How do you think this recipe would work with whole chicken breasts and maybe some thighs and legs instead of cutting up the chicken? I like the look of the whole parts instead of small pieces. Would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thank you.

  16. I could eat some form of caprese everyday too – yum! This would be a huge hit in my house.My husband would be especially thrilled if I made this for him.

  17. Hi Tammy – I wouldn’t use bone-in chicken but 2-3 chicken breasts should be fine. Just pound them flat and prepare as the recipe instructs. The pan and oven cooking times/temps will remain the same.

  18. I hear ya on the cooking ruts. I get into those frequently and we end up eating the same things every week — spaghetti, tacos and grilled cheese. This looks easy enough to perk us up mid-week!

    (Even though, like you, I could never tire of caprese!)

  19. This looks divine! I’m craving Chinese cooking now. I will have to give this recipe a try this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration.

  20. Caprese is usually my rut too but your chicken looks killer!

  21. Looks like a dinner that everyone would love Georgia. I’m crazy about caprese also but I think this would rate right up there too!

  22. This looks so delicious! Isn’t the combination of sweet & spicy just so addictive? Your fresh caprese sounds great but this is pure wonderful comfort food. I’d definitely want a little rice with it. :)

  23. I get in cooking ruts all of the time! I totally know what you mean… This looks like a delicious recipe. Definitely one to try! :)

  24. Ugh I totally feel like I’m in a cooking rut right now. This recipe looks like a great one to break it with! I love homemade Chinese takeout, especially dishes with a sweet and spicy kick!

  25. Mouthwatering deliciousness!

  26. I adore caprese as well! But Asian-inspired cooking is always good–with extra sriracha. :)

  27. It looks absolutely amazing! Plus there’s no breading, which I love. Another job well done my friend!

  28. I am always in a rut, but I so need to make this. It sounds awesome!

  29. There is no doubt me and my entire family is going to love this dish. What a wonderful side path from the main drag of General Tao’s. This would definitely get one out of a cooking rut, which I am not in. Those chicken pieces are an even delectable shade of crispy brown.

  30. I am the exact same way Georgia! I get hopelessly hooked on a flavor combination, and end up trying to work it into every possible application. I can absolutely see myself getting hooked on this firecracker chicken! Sweet and spicy is one of my absolute weaknesses.

  31. 5 stars
    Absolutely loving this firecracker chicken, Georgia! I love the sweet and spicy combo!

  32. The colour is firecracker indeed, what a delicious chicken dish :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  33. I need this Sweet n Spicy firecracker chicken in my life asap! Seriously! This looks sooo good! I love hearing how you got out of the cooking rut, this sure seems like the perfect recipe to do that with!

  34. 5 stars
    I’ve never made this myself but a friend has and I loved it. Hers wasn’t as beautiful as yours!

  35. This sounds amazing, perfect for breaking out of a rut! I get in flavour ruts too and have to remember I’m not the only one eating my cooking :)

  36. My stomach is literally growling just looking at this. This looks delicious!

  37. This look so, so good! I love sweet n spicy chicken with rice! Thanks for sharing!

  38. I love your home versions of Asian takeout, Georgia! This one looks mouthwatering. You can’t go wrong with spicy chicken. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!

  39. Love the Franks hot sauce in this Georgia – looks fabulous!

  40. Love how vibrant this dish is piled on top of those stir fry veggies. Looks wonderful!

  41. Get outta here with this gorgeous recipe; it looks amazing. My husband would go nuts over this dish. Pinning!

  42. I love this plate Georgia ! Look awesome and delicious!

  43. Georgia, this sounds super delicious, adding it to my must try list. :)

  44. Yes! I DO get in a cooking rut from time to time! This looks like the perfect dish to break out of it! I love how fresh and flavorful it looks!! :)

  45. Georgia, I have seen this chicken in my dreams! Fantastic!

  46. This looks super yummy!! And I love that it’s gluten-free!! :)

  47. I.AM.GOING.CRAZYYYYYYYY.LOOKING.AT.THIS!!!!!!! <3 We get a very similar version here in local Asian eateries and my friends and i just cannot resist it. I've always wanted to try it at home but never got it right! This recipe is PERFECTION! It's sweet, sticky, spicy all at once and all I want to do now is JUST HEAD TO THE KITCHEN AND GET THAT STOVE ON!!!!!!! OOpppsss and that would be my stomach rumbling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3

  48. haha I get stuck on certain foods fairly frequently – right now it’s grain-type salads. The husband doesn’t always approve of me making the same things over and over : ) This looks awesome – maybe it’s time to make something different!

  49. This looks amazing! I love, love, love anything with buffalo sauce!

  50. I’ve been in many a cooking rut- it just happens …so great inspiration from you is much appreciated-thank you very much! My husband would love this dish for his dinner;)

  51. 5 stars
    Made this tonight – AMAZING.

    I was worried it was going to be too spicy but the balance of sweet and spicy was perfect. This is going to be made on a regular basis without a doubt.

    Thank you so much,
    From A Hungry Woman in Scotland. ;D

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