Ground chicken cooked in chili oil and tossed with a sticky sweet and spicy firecracker sauce is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. This Firecracker Ground Chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a lively gathering with friends. Its unique blend of flavors and easy preparation make it a standout choice in any home cook’s repertoire. Plus, it’s low carb, making it suitable for various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavors: The combination of chili oil, buffalo sauce, and spices creates a deliciously vibrant dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy meal that fits your lifestyle.
- Low Carb Delight: Perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake without compromising on flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet and spicy profile, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking your Firecracker Ground Chicken, gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the ground chicken.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding them to the skillet.
- Whisk: Helps mix sauces evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring and serving your delicious creation without sticking.
Ingredients
Ground chicken cooked in chili oil and tossed with a sticky sweet and spicy firecracker sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8)
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Chili Oil
- 1/2 C (96g) Swerve Brown Sugar
- 1/4 C (60g) Buffalo Sauce
- 2 Tbsp (30g) Cider or Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
How to Make Firecracker Ground Chicken
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat with the chili oil.
Brown both sides of the ground chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Mince the chicken as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, cider or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked:
Add the prepared sauce to the skillet.
Cook together until thickened and syrupy, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
Serve your Firecracker Ground Chicken hot:
Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal!
How to Serve Firecracker Ground Chicken
Firecracker Ground Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this flavorful chicken can adapt to your serving style.
Over Rice
- Serve the firecracker ground chicken over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative for a lighter option.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a crunchy, fresh bite.
- Add some shredded carrots and cucumbers for extra texture and flavor.
With Salad
- Pair the chicken with mixed greens and your favorite salad dressing for a refreshing dish.
- Top with sliced avocado and diced tomatoes to enhance nutrition and taste.
As Tacos
- Fill soft or hard taco shells with firecracker ground chicken for a fun twist on taco night.
- Add cheese, sour cream, and salsa to customize each taco!
On Noodles
- Toss the ground chicken with stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds to elevate the dish.
How to Perfect Firecracker Ground Chicken
To ensure your Firecracker Ground Chicken reaches its full potential, consider these handy tips:
- Choose lean ground chicken: Using 92/8 ground chicken will give you enough fat for flavor without being too greasy.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Cook in batches: If you’re making a larger quantity, cook in batches to ensure even browning.
- Let sauce thicken: Allow the sauce to reduce until syrupy for that perfect sticky texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Firecracker Ground Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Firecracker Ground Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple and nutritious, steamed broccoli complements the spicy flavors perfectly.
- Quinoa – This protein-packed grain adds texture and absorbs the firecracker sauce nicely.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy, low-carb alternative that pairs well with spicy dishes.
- Zucchini Noodles – Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles can soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick and easy, sautéed spinach adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Fried Rice – A classic choice that combines well with the bold flavors of firecracker sauce.
- Cabbage Slaw – A tangy slaw can add crunch and balance out the richness of the chicken dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Firecracker Ground Chicken can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the wrong oil: Not using chili oil can result in a lack of flavor. Always stick with chili oil for that authentic taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the ground chicken too long can lead to dryness. Aim for just 3-4 minutes per side for perfect juiciness.
- Skipping the whisking step: Neglecting to whisk the sauce ingredients can leave you with an uneven mix. Always whisk until smooth before adding it to the pan.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Serving without allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken can lead to a runny dish. Wait until it becomes syrupy for optimal flavor.
- Ignoring seasonings: Forgetting salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Don’t skip any seasonings; they enhance the dish significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Firecracker Ground Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, use vacuum-sealed bags if possible.
Reheating Firecracker Ground Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Firecracker Ground Chicken:
What is Firecracker Ground Chicken?
Firecracker Ground Chicken is a spicy, sweet dish made with ground chicken cooked in chili oil and coated with a flavorful firecracker sauce.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or pork, but adjust cooking times as needed.
How spicy is Firecracker Ground Chicken?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. Feel free to adjust according to your preference!
What should I serve with Firecracker Ground Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice or cauliflower rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds.
Final Thoughts
Firecracker Ground Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting the spice level or swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Firecracker Ground Chicken
Firecracker Ground Chicken is a quick and tantalizing dish that brings together the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Cooked in fragrant chili oil and enveloped in a sticky firecracker sauce, this ground chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a family-friendly meal that satisfies various dietary needs while delivering bold tastes. Whether served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as tacos, this versatile dish will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (92/8)
- 1/2 Tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 C Swerve brown sugar
- 1/4 C buffalo sauce
- 2 Tbsp cider or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add chili oil. Brown the ground chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, cider or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add the sauce to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice and garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
