Name: Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup sugar snap peas; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

There’s something about that spicy-sweet kick that makes this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe an absolute joy to whip up on a weeknight. The vibrant colors, the sizzle in the pan, and that sticky, fiery sauce come together in just about 30 minutes, making dinner feel exciting without any fuss.

The image shows a black pan filled with stir-fried dish made of many thin pieces of light brown cooked chicken, bright green snap peas, and strips of red and yellow bell peppers. The chicken pieces are mixed evenly with the vegetables, all coated in a glossy brown sauce. The snap peas are shiny and fresh looking, some cut diagonally, and the bell pepper strips add a pop of color around the pan. Small slices of green onion are scattered on top, adding a fresh green touch. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out clearly. 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 Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe more times than I can count, and here’s why I keep coming back to it: it’s quick, packed full of flavor, and insanely versatile. Plus, you get that awesome balance of heat and sweetness that always hits the spot.

Speedy Meal: You can get a full dinner on the table in about 30 minutes without compromising flavor.
Vibrant Veggies: The bell peppers and sugar snap peas add loads of crunch, color, and freshness.
Flavor Punch: That firecracker sauce is a winning combo of spicy, tangy, and sweet—never bland.
Customization Friendly: You can easily tweak the heat level or swap veggies depending on what you have on hand.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir fry. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom is a sauce with a shiny brown color covering the pan, the middle layer has sliced pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown, slightly glossy texture, and the top layer includes green snap peas, bright red bell pepper strips, and yellow bell pepper strips scattered evenly throughout. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the stir fry on the left side. The pan is resting on a light gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe plays a part in creating layers of flavor and texture. The mix of fresh vegetables brings crunch and sweetness, while the sauce pulls it all together with heat and umami goodness. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when shopping and prepping:

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small mound of coarse sea salt and black peppercorns, a sliced red bell pepper, a sliced yellow bell pepper, a handful of fresh sugar snap peas, three green onions cut into rings, a small white bowl of glossy dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha, a small white bowl of thick deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with rich brown sesame oil, three fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, 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

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish lean and cooks quickly, plus you get nice even pieces for stir frying.
Red and yellow bell peppers: These add a natural sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
Sugar snap peas: Their crisp snap offers a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken.
Green onions: These pack a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch as a finishing garnish.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone that provides depth and savory umami.
Honey: Balances the spice with just the right amount of sweetness.
Sriracha: The star of the firecrackers—a familiar, flavorful heat.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and thickness to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a bright zing that cuts through the richness.
Sesame oil: Just a splash for a toasty, nutty aroma true to Asian stir fries.
Garlic: Essential for that savory punch and aromatic warmth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A little extra fire that you can dial up or down.
Black pepper: Freshly ground always tastes best to round out the spice.
Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and veggies; I like the fruity notes it imparts.

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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

What I love most about this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Over time, I’ve played around with different veggies and spice levels depending on taste and what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the chicken breasts for thighs for juicier bites – just adjust cooking time. You can also swap in broccoli or snap peas with snow peas based on what's fresh or on sale.
Heat Level: Not a fan of spicy? Dial down the sriracha and red pepper flakes, or mix in a little extra honey for sweetness to tame the heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without losing flavor.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken pieces—that’s the secret to getting that golden color. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Drizzle in the second tablespoon of olive oil, and toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sugar snap peas. Keep stirring frequently—about 4 to 5 minutes is perfect until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. This contrast really gives the dish a lively texture.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Firecracker Sauce

While the veggies are doing their thing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This sauce is where all the magic happens—the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Simmer

Add the chicken back into the skillet with the veggies, pour your firecracker sauce over the top, and stir well to coat every bit. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is nicely glazed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry over steamed rice, then sprinkle those fresh sliced green onions on top. The color and fresh bite they add is the final touch I’m always excited about.

Top Tip

In cooking this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, I learned that controlling the heat of your pan and timing when you add ingredients makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Overcrowding the pan or rushing can result in soggy veggies or dry chicken—here’s what I do:

Hot Pan, Quick Cooking: Heat your skillet thoroughly before adding ingredients to get a nice sear and keep the chicken juicy.
Cook in Batches If Needed: I sometimes do the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps maintain a great texture.
Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep them vibrant and crisp by cooking just until tender, stirring often.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, simmer for a little longer; if too thick, add a splash of water or stock.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

firecracker chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this stir fry off with freshly sliced green onions for that mild crunch and a pop of green color. Sometimes, I toss in sesame seeds for a toasty boost or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro if I’m feeling fancy. These simple garnishes take it up a notch and make the dish feel restaurant-quality at home.

Side Dishes

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry pairs amazingly with a side of jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. I’ve also served it alongside steamed or fried rice noodles when I want a gluten-free option. For extra veggies, a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed bok choy complement the heat nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this stir fry in big family-style bowls with extra chili flakes and lime wedges on the side, so guests can customize their spice. Another favorite is serving it in lettuce wraps—fresh, crunchy, and fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the veggies hold their crunch best when you reheat gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well, though I recommend freezing without rice if possible. Portion out the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels a bit dry. This method helps keep the sauce glossy and the chicken tender versus nuking it in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

How spicy is the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s very easy to adjust. If you prefer milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use less sriracha.

What can I serve instead of rice?

You can serve this stir fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, rice noodles for a different texture, or even quinoa for a protein-packed twist.

Can I make the firecracker sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can easily be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine any settled ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something fast but flavorful, with a little bit of a kick. It’s satisfying, pretty enough to impress if friends drop by, and versatile enough to keep tweaking and making your own. Give it a try—I bet it’ll find a comfy spot in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine.