If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a touch of heat, and the crispy goodness of chicken, you’re in for a fiery treat! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make the mouthwatering Firecracker Chicken, a dish that’ll explode with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Hot And Spicy Chicken
- Explosive Flavor . The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors will set your taste buds on fire.
- Quick and Easy . Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Versatile . Serve it as a main course or use it to spice up salads and wraps.
If you’re a spice enthusiast looking for a thrilling taste experience, Firecracker Chicken is your next culinary adventure. Don’t wait for a special occasion, ignite your taste buds tonight!
What Does Firecracker Chicken Taste Like?
Firecracker Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish known for its exciting taste profile. It typically tastes like a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Spicy - The spiciness in Firecracker Chicken primarily comes from ingredients like hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The level of spiciness can vary depending on your preference, but it generally has a noticeable kick that adds excitement to each bite.
- Sweet - Brown sugar is a key component of the sauce in Firecracker Chicken, providing a pleasant sweetness that balances the heat from the spices. The sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile and creates a delightful contrast with the spiciness.
- Savory - Soy sauce and minced garlic contribute to the savory aspect of the dish. These ingredients provide depth and umami richness to the sauce, making it savory and satisfying.
- Umami - The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and caramelized brown sugar creates an umami-rich base for the sauce, giving Firecracker Chicken a complex and satisfying flavor.
- Balanced - The beauty of Firecracker Chicken is in its balance. The sweet and spicy elements are well-calibrated, creating a flavorful and memorable dish that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
What Is Firecracker Chicken Made Of?
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts - The main protein of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces, allowing them to cook quickly and absorb the bold firecracker sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch - Coats the chicken pieces before frying, creating a light, crispy exterior. It also helps the sauce cling better to the chicken once combined.
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil - Used for frying the chicken until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while keeping it tender inside.
- 2 tablespoons Green Onion - Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish, balancing the heat and sweetness of the dish.
- 1/4 cup Sriracha - The base of the “firecracker” flavor. It brings heat, tanginess, and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar - Balances the spiciness of the Sriracha with sweetness, creating that signature sweet-and-spicy glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce - Adds savory umami depth and saltiness, rounding out the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons Minced Garlic - Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and enhances the overall bold flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes - Boosts the heat level for extra spice and adds visual texture to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Water - Helps thin the sauce to the right consistency so it evenly coats the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds - Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch, adding a hint of nuttiness and subtle crunch.
How To Make Firecracker Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, hot sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Finish the Dish. In the same pan, add the Firecracker Sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Serve and Garnish. Transfer the Firecracker Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with diced green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Tips And Tricks
Making Firecracker Chicken is an exciting culinary adventure, and here are some tips to ensure your dish sparkles:
- Adjust the Heat . You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer a milder heat.
- Serve with Rice . Firecracker Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice to balance the spicy kick.
- Customize Veggies . Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish for extra crunch and nutrition.
Variations
Want to explore different flavors? Try these variations to create a dish that is perfectly customized to tantalize your tastebuds:
- Honey Sriracha - Swap the hot sauce for Sriracha and add a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Peanut Butter - Mix in some creamy peanut butter to create a Thai-inspired Firecracker Chicken.
- Citrus Zest - Add grated orange or lime zest to the sauce for a citrusy kick.
What To Serve With It
Firecracker Chicken is fantastic on its own, but you can enhance the meal with these sides:
- Instant Pot Rice - A classic choice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables - Create a colorful stir-fry with your favorite veggies.
- Summer Rolls - Serve some summer rolls as appetizers or alongside the dish.
- Crab Rangoon - A crispy and creamy bite to compliment the flavors of the spicy firecracker sauce.
How Long Does It Last?
Firecracker Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and spicy meal.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze Firecracker Chicken for later consumption. Freezing can help extend the shelf life of the dish and allow you to enjoy it at a later time.
Properly frozen Firecracker Chicken can be stored in the freezer for approximately 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen Firecracker Chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it’s heated through.
More Cravable Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Chicken Adobo
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Keto Chicken Tenders
- Cowboy Chicken
- Chicken Divan
- Chicken A La King
Firecracker Chicken Recipe | Easy Hot And Spicy Chicken
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- ▢ 1 pound Chicken Breasts
- ▢ 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- ▢ 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ▢ 2 tbsp Green Onion
For The Sauce
- ▢ 1/4 cup Sriracha
- ▢ 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ▢ 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ 2 tbsp Water
- ▢ 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, hot sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Finish the Dish. In the same pan, add the Firecracker Sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Serve and Garnish. Transfer the Firecracker Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with diced green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
If you already signed up, you should have received an email with a password to give you unlimited access to our FREE Printable Library. The password is case sensitive. Enter it below and get printing!
Password:
Firecracker Chicken Recipe | Easy Hot And Spicy Chicken
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Green Onion
For The Sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, hot sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Finish the Dish. In the same pan, add the Firecracker Sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Serve and Garnish. Transfer the Firecracker Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with diced green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Firecracker Chicken Recipe | Easy Hot And Spicy Chicken https://twosleevers.com/firecracker-chicken-recipe/
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, you’re in for a treat! This Instant Pot American Goulash recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce for a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting seconds.
Why Your Family Will Love It
- Effortless Cooking . Thanks to the Instant Pot, this American Goulash comes together with minimal effort. Just sauté, pressure cook, and you’re done!
- Classic Comfort Food . Goulash is a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- One-Pot Wonder . With the Instant Pot, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable . Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Make it spicy, add more veggies, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
Instant Pot American Goulash is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a taste of classic American comfort food. With your Instant Pot as your trusty kitchen companion, you can enjoy this delicious dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What Is The Difference Between Goulash And Amerian Goulash?
American Goulash, sometimes referred to as American Chop Suey, is a hearty pasta dish with ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and macaroni. It’s seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor profile. This dish is often associated with comfort food in the United States and is known for its simple yet satisfying taste.
Hungarian goulash, also known as “gulyás” in Hungarian, is a traditional Hungarian stew that is known for its rich and hearty flavors. It is one of Hungary’s most iconic and beloved dishes. Hungarian goulash is often associated with comfort food and is enjoyed in Hungary and beyond.
What’s In American Goulash?
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot American Goulash recipe:
- Ground Beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Elbow Macaroni
- Diced Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Beef Broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and Pepper
- Cheddar Cheese
How To Make American Goulash
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty meal in your Instant Pot:
- Sauté - Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove any excess fat.
- Onion and Garlic - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season - Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will infuse the dish with delicious flavor.
- Tomatoes and Pasta - Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and pasta to the pot in that order. Do not stir.
- Pressure Cook - Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release - Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the release valve to venting.
- Serve - Open the Instant Pot, and your American Goulash is ready to serve. You can top it with shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips And Tricks
- If you want to add some vegetables to your goulash, consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced carrots. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
- For extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Customize your goulash by experimenting with different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
- Leftovers make a fantastic next-day lunch, so be sure to store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations
American goulash is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some delicious variations and ingredient swaps to consider when making it:
- Vegetarian American Goulash . Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless option.
- Ground Meat Variations . Experiment with different ground meats such as ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a combination of meats for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice It Up . Add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy goulash.
- Extra Veggies . Boost the nutrition by incorporating more vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are excellent choices. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
What To Serve With American Goulash
When serving this American Goulash recipe, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal by pairing it with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Garlic Bread - A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce. You can make it by spreading butter and garlic on slices of French or Italian bread and toasting them in the oven.
- Side Salad - A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash. Use a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing.
- Steamed Vegetables - Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a healthy and colorful side dish. They complement the goulash’s heartiness with their lightness.
How Long Does It Last?
American goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat, follow these storage guidelines:
- Cooling Properly . After cooking, allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. Hot food can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator and promote bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container . Transfer the leftover goulash to an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed well to prevent air from entering, which can cause the food to spoil more quickly.
- Label and Date . It’s a good practice to label the container with the date when you cooked the goulash. This helps you keep track of how long it has been in the fridge.
Can You Freeze It?
Goulash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to label and date the container for reference.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, place it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost it. Warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Beef Curry
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Cheeseburger Mac
This Instant Pot American Goulash recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, flavorful sauce and tender pasta will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, the convenience of making it in the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy it with your family.
American Goulash Recipe | Instant Pot Goulash
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Ground Beef
- ▢ 1/2 cup Onion , diced
- ▢ 2 tbsp Garlic , minced
- ▢ 3 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles
- ▢ 15 oz Diced Tomatoes
- ▢ 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- ▢ 3 cups Beef Broth
- ▢ 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Sauté - Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove any excess fat.
- Onion and Garlic - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season - Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will infuse the dish with delicious flavor.
- Tomatoes and Pasta - Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and pasta to the pot in that order. Do not stir.
- Pressure Cook - Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release - Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the release valve to venting.
- Serve - Open the Instant Pot, and your American Goulash is ready to serve. You can top it with shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
