Chicken Fillet in Spicy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Firecracker Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, and full of bold flavor. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in the sauce creates a perfect harmony that coats each chicken breast. Baking the chicken, rather than frying it, makes this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing any of the delicious, sticky, sweet heat. The bright garnishes of green onion and parsley add a fresh touch that complements the rich sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, about 1 ½ lbs)

Firecracker Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, fresh and chopped

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground

Optional Garnish

• 1 green onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh and chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450℉.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients (garlic, ginger, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and black pepper) until fully combined.

3. Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half of the sauce over the chicken. Brush the sauce evenly over the entire surface of the chicken. Flip the chicken breasts over and pour the remaining sauce on top. Spoon or brush the sauce from the pan over the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated.

4. Transfer the baking dish, uncovered, to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165℉ to 170℉.

5. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

6. Garnish with chopped green onion and parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite side dish, such as rice, slaw, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce. For extra heat, double the amount of Sriracha or red pepper flakes.

• Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: While chicken breasts cook the fastest, you can use thighs or drumsticks. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

• Make it Sweet: Add a bit more brown sugar if you want a sweeter sauce to balance the heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350℉ for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, though the sauce may become a bit less sticky.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. When ready, just bake the chicken directly from the fridge (add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time).

3. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked Firecracker Chicken for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. What can I serve with Firecracker Chicken?

Firecracker Chicken pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh slaw to balance out the flavors.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a spicy kick from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking by reducing the amount of spice ingredients.

6. Can I make the sauce less salty?

To reduce the saltiness, opt for a low-sodium soy sauce and be mindful of adding extra salt. You can also dilute the sauce slightly with water if needed.

7. Can I use a different hot sauce instead of Sriracha?

Yes, you can use any hot sauce of your choice, such as Frank’s RedHot or chili garlic sauce, to give the dish a different flavor profile.

8. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For a crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a crispy crust on top.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F. You can check using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

10. Can I use chicken breasts with the bone?

While boneless chicken breasts cook faster and more evenly, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. Just add extra cooking time and check for the proper internal temperature.

Conclusion

Firecracker Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and sticky, delivering bold flavors in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple and quick dish that will elevate any dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something with a little heat or need a fast dinner option, this recipe is a fantastic go-to. Easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress, Firecracker Chicken will be a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation

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