Baked Firecracker Chicken – Looking for a new twist on chicken? Look no further than this baked firecracker chicken recipe! This dish is perfect for anyone who loves sweet and spicy flavors, with a kick of heat that will leave your taste buds tingling. The sauce is a combination of hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar, making it the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Plus, it’s baked in the oven, which means it’s a healthier option than fried chicken.
Whenever my husband comes home from work, he always asks me what’s for dinner. But when I tell him it’s baked firecracker chicken night, he gets excited and starts counting down the minutes until it’s ready. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is addictively delicious, and the fact that it’s baked makes it a healthier option than fried chicken. We love to serve it with rice and veggies for a complete meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Why This Baked Firecracker Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try?
- This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a tangy sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling.
- It’s a healthier option than fried chicken, as it’s baked in the oven.
- The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it a quick and easy meal option.
- It’s versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, veggies, or even on top of a salad.
- The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot/chili sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or Sriracha) (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (100 g)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free) (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml)
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts (450 g)
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Baste the chicken with the sauce every 5 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce on the side.
Notes:
- For a healthier version, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, for this recipe.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
In conclusion, Baked Firecracker Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With its sweet and spicy flavor, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, it’s sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and add this flavorful dish to your meal rotation? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce to make it spicier.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to make the chicken, simply cook it in the oven and baste it with the sauce.
What sides go well with Baked Firecracker Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Baked Firecracker Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot/chili sauce such as Frank’s Red Hot or Sriracha (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey 100 g
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce gluten-free for gluten-free (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 15 ml
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon oil 15 ml
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts 450 g
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar or honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it's evenly coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake the chicken until it's cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Baste the chicken with the sauce every 5 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce on the side.
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