Imagine the sizzle of juicy chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a bold, flavorful sauce that combines sweetness, heat, and tang. Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect meal for those who crave vibrant flavors and quick, healthy dinners. This one-pan wonder is as satisfying to cook as it is to eat, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for something bold and exciting.
Why You’ll Love Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
There’s something magical about a meal that delivers big flavor in just a few simple steps. Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry is exactly that: a delightful combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sauce that balances sweetness and spice. You can pair it with rice, quinoa, or noodles, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients for Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
For the Stir Fry
- 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
For the Firecracker Sauce
- ⅓ 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, along with the sugar snap peas.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for 4–5 minutes until tender yet still crisp.
3. Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Set the sauce aside while the veggies cook.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix everything together.
- Pour the prepared firecracker sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir well to coat all the ingredients and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is well incorporated.
5. Serve
- Serve the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry hot over a bed of steamed rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients before starting to cook. Stir-frying moves quickly, so having everything ready is key.
- Use High Heat: High heat ensures that the chicken and vegetables cook quickly, retaining their tenderness and crispness.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute Vegetables: Swap in broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini for the sugar snap peas or bell peppers.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce for your rice? Double the sauce ingredients for a more generous coating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 293 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 24.6 g |
Protein | 26.1 g |
Fat | 10.1 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
Sodium | 1.1 mg |
Fiber | 2.6 g |
Sugar | 18.7 g |
FAQs About Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and just as delicious in this recipe.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
3. What can I use instead of sriracha?
You can substitute sambal oelek or your favorite chili sauce for a similar heat profile.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Can I freeze Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry?
Yes, but freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce for the best texture. Thaw and combine when ready to serve.
Why You Should Try Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry isn’t just another dinner—it’s a flavorful adventure! With its balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold, exciting meals. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Best of all, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
PrintHow to Make Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry – Quick Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry! Juicy chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a bold, tangy sauce come together in just 30 minutes for a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a takeout-style dish, this recipe is guaranteed to leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 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
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ⅓ 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers along with the sugar snap peas.
- Stir frequently and cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Prepare the Firecracker Sauce:
- While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.Pour the firecracker sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well incorporated.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: Reduce or increase the sriracha and red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, crisp bell peppers and snap peas.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for your rice or noodles, double the sauce ingredients.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired