Name: Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/3 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs beaten; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; Cooking spray

There’s just something about that perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy spice that makes this Firecracker Chicken Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Every bite snaps with crispiness coated in a fiery, sticky sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, this recipe quickly became one of my go-tos when I want a flavorful dinner with minimal fuss.

Chunks of golden-brown fried chicken pieces are covered in a shiny orange sauce with red chili flakes. The chicken pieces are scattered close together in a white pan. On top, fresh green chopped scallions add a pop of color and fresh texture. The scene is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Firecracker Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Firecracker Chicken Recipe because it’s the perfect mix of easy, fast, and seriously tasty. From the crispy chicken pieces to the irresistible sauce, it feels like a fancy takeout meal made right in your own kitchen.

Quick Cooking: You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavor: The sweet and spicy sauce hits all the right notes — tangy, fiery, and just a little smoky.
Simple Ingredients: Most pantry staples, plus a few fresh touches, make this recipe approachable even on busy nights.
Versatile: Great for a family dinner or meal prep because it reheats and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a crisp, saucy masterpiece. The balance between cornstarch and eggs keeps the chicken crispy, while the buffalo sauce and brown sugar create that crave-worthy firecracker kick.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small mound of fine white cornstarch on a simple white ceramic plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells resting side by side, a small white bowl filled with bright orange buffalo hot sauce, a small white bowl containing light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl with clear pale rice vinegar, a few vibrant green sliced green onions arranged neatly on a white ceramic dish, a pinch of deep red crushed red pepper flakes in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and easy to cube, chicken breasts soak up the sauce beautifully and stay juicy when cooked right.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor before coating.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to that crispy crust without deep frying your chicken.
Eggs: Help the cornstarch stick to the chicken, ensuring even coating and crunch.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect browning.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: The backbone of the spicy sauce – choose your favorite brand for the exact heat level you like.
Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely sweetness that balances the heat and tang in the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little extra heat kick – add more or less to suit your spice tolerance.
Sliced Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds crunch and a mild onion flavor for contrast.
Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking in the baking dish for easy cleanup.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Firecracker Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or how spiced up I’m feeling that day. And honestly, it’s so forgiving that you can tailor it to your taste buds without any stress.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier, more tender bite – it changes the texture but keeps the flavor jumpin’. Try it if you like a little extra richness.
Heat Adjustment: You can dial the heat up or down by adding extra red pepper flakes or using a milder buffalo sauce—perfect if you’re cooking for kids or spice lovers.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap cornstarch for arrowroot powder and ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free for an allergy-friendly version.
Make It Plant-Based: Use crispy tofu cubes instead of chicken for a fun vegetarian take—not exactly the same but still delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Recipe

A black plate with a bed of white rice forming the bottom layer, topped with several pieces of golden-brown glazed chicken coated in shiny orange sauce. Small green chili slices scattered on top of the chicken add a touch of color. A pair of dark red chopsticks is lifting one piece of chicken above the plate. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a brown bowl filled with red chili flakes blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces—uniform size means even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss it around until each piece is evenly coated. Next, dip the coated pieces into the beaten eggs one by one—that egg wash locks in the cornstarch for extra crispiness. I always set up an assembly line to keep things moving quickly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat—it needs to be hot for that golden crust. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of crisping up. Cook each batch about 3-4 minutes per side until you see a beautiful golden brown color. This step is key to juicy chicken with a crispy exterior before baking.

Step 3: Bake with the Firecracker Sauce

Transfer the seared chicken to a sprayed 9"x13" baking dish. Whisk together buffalo hot sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined—that sauce is your flavor hero. Pour it evenly over the chicken and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through to make sure all pieces soak up that sticky, spicy sauce. The baking time helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken beautifully.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle those fresh sliced green onions over the top for that pop of color and mild onion bite. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear fast—promise this is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found some simple tweaks really boost the success of this Firecracker Chicken Recipe—little things that make the cooking process smoother and the final dish tastier.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to crispiness without frying deeply, and your chicken won’t get soggy after baking if you coat it well.
High Heat Sear: Get that pan smoking hot before adding chicken to achieve a gorgeous golden crust quickly—this locks in juices and flavor.
Even Sauce Distribution: Don’t just dump the sauce on—whisk it thoroughly and pour it slowly to cover every piece for that consistent spicy-sweet flavor.
Use Fresh Green Onions: Adding garnish right before serving gives it brightness and a fresh crunch that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Recipe

firecracker chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always use sliced green onions on top because they add a lovely pop of color and a bit of fresh bite. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little extra texture and nuttiness. If you want some cool contrast, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime on the side balances out the heat nicely.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings are simple steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. You could also serve it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli to bring some freshness and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I like to serve this in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets so each guest gets their own fiery portion. Or load it up in crunchy lettuce cups for a fresh and handheld Asian-inspired appetizer version that’s always a hit at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Firecracker Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold, but I usually reheat it gently to bring back that saucy warmth.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which makes it perfect for batch cooking. Just cool the chicken completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat, gently stirring to warm through without drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or extra hot sauce to refresh the sauciness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture closer to the original.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just cut them into uniform pieces and follow the rest of the recipe as is.

How spicy is the Firecracker Chicken?

It’s got a nice level of heat from the buffalo sauce and red pepper flakes, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornstarch and hot sauce. Most cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check labels.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the chicken and sauce ahead, then refrigerate and bake it when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat well too, making it handy for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Firecracker Chicken Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe box because it’s quick, satisfying, and delivers bold flavors every time — like a little firework party in your mouth. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it as much as I do, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.