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Firecracker Chicken

Spicy Firecracker Chicken: Quick & Delicious Comfort Food

Discover this Sweet and Spicy Firecracker Chicken, a quick and delicious comfort food that's a healthier alternative to takeout.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot or your favorite hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup Dark brown sugar or light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce or Tamari use Tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons Rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can substitute with chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup Corn starch or potato starch for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil or neutral oil can use canola or vegetable oil
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Chopped scallions optional but recommended
  • 2 cups Cooked white rice for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the oven rack in the middle.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine Frank’s Red Hot, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and a splash of water. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then coat each piece evenly with corn starch.
  4. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken thighs and fry each side for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken in the skillet, ensuring even coating.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 5-8 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve hot over cooked white rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot before frying the chicken for optimal crispiness. Customize the heat level by adjusting Frank's Red Hot to taste.

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