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Firecracker Chicken Recipe
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Spice level perfect for heat lovers!|Kids asked for seconds, surprisingly!|Great balance of sweet and heat!|Sauce caramelizes beautifully on chicken!|Better than my local takeaway spot!|Worth the minimal prep time!|Leftovers taste even better next day!|Pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice!
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Wagamama

Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Master how to make restaurant-quality Firecracker Chicken at home with this quick and easy recipe. Perfectly crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that delivers a flavorful kick to your weeknight dinner rotation. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep

15 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

480

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 yellow bell pepper, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp ginger, finely grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tbsp sweet chili sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp sriracha sauce (or sambal oelek)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 spring onions, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime, cut into wedges</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g cooked jasmine rice, to serve</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the cornstarch stick better and gives you a crispier result. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off any excess.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot (you'll see a slight shimmer), add half the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the remaining chicken and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies to the pan. Stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant – you'll really smell the beautiful aromas releasing. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined. This is your firecracker sauce!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and gets glossy, coating the chicken and vegetables beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness until it's perfect for your palate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Serve the firecracker chicken over jasmine rice, garnish with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if using. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating – the citrus brightness really lifts all the flavors!</li></ol>
FAQ for
Firecracker Chicken Recipe

How spicy is Firecracker Chicken and can I adjust the heat level?

Firecracker Chicken delivers a moderate to high heat level from sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and fresh red chilies. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha and red chilies to suit your personal preference.

What's the secret to getting crispy chicken in stir-fry dishes?

The key to achieving crispy chicken in stir-fries is patting the meat completely dry before coating it with cornstarch. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would create steam and prevent browning. Use a hot wok or pan and don't disturb the chicken too frequently.

Can I make this dish with other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This firecracker sauce works brilliantly with prawns, firm tofu, or beef strips. For seafood, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture and achieve a better texture when frying.

What makes a good balance of flavours in Asian-style stir-fries?

The best Asian stir-fries balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. This recipe achieves this with honey (sweet), rice vinegar and lime (sour), soy sauce (salty), and chili components (spicy). The aromatic ginger and garlic add depth of flavour.

How can I make this dish healthier without sacrificing flavour?

To make a healthier version, use chicken breast instead of thighs, reduce the honey, and increase the vegetables. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice. Baking the cornstarch-coated chicken instead of frying will reduce oil content.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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Stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make sauce", "text": "In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine and simmer", "text": "Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and gets glossy." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Adjust seasoning", "text": "Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness until it's perfect for your palate." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Serve the firecracker chicken over jasmine rice, garnish with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if using. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei-Lin Chen", "datePublished": "2024-04-28", "reviewBody": "This firecracker chicken is the real deal! The balance of sweet and spicy flavors is perfect, and I love how the sauce coats the chicken. My family was fighting over the last bits.", "name": "Authentic and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sanjay Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "I've been looking for a great firecracker chicken recipe for ages and this is it! The tip about patting the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch made all the difference for crispiness.", "name": "Finally Found the Perfect Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Moretti", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "The flavors in this dish are explosive! I adjusted the chilies to my taste and it was still amazing. The lime wedges are a must - they really brighten up all the flavors.", "name": "Flavor Explosion", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Nielsen", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "Made this for a dinner party and everyone was impressed. It's restaurant quality but so easy to make at home. The ginger and garlic aromatics fill your kitchen with the most amazing smell!", "name": "Restaurant Quality at Home", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-04-25", "reviewBody": "This has become our family's favorite weeknight meal. It's quick enough to make after work but special enough to feel like a treat. The sauce is to die for - I always make extra to drizzle on rice!", "name": "New Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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