Let’s be honest, finding exciting Chicken Breast Recipes that the whole family loves can feel like a chore. It is easy to fall into a routine of the same few meals over and over again. But what if I told you that a flavorful, exciting dinner is just around the corner?
This Firecracker Chicken is one of our favorite Simple Chicken Recipes. It has an amazing sweet and spicy sauce that glazes the chicken beautifully. It looks impressive but is actually so easy to put together, making it one of the best Quick Dinner Ideas for any night of the week.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The sauce is a wonderful mix of sweet brown sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a kick from your favorite hot sauce. It creates a sticky, delicious glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
It is also unbelievably simple to prepare. You just whisk the sauce ingredients together and let them simmer while you get the chicken ready. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. If you love heat, add a few more red pepper flakes. If you are serving it to kids, you can dial it back. This flexibility is why it has become one of our go to Delicious Family Dinners.
The chicken comes out so tender and juicy. By searing it first and then finishing it in the oven, you lock in all the moisture. The end result is a restaurant quality meal you made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For The Firecracker Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce (Franks Original is a great choice)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For The Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Make The Firecracker Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Place it over medium high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently.
Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. The sauce will look a bit thin, but do not worry. It thickens up quite a bit as it cools down. Once it is done simmering, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare And Sear The Chicken
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F. Make sure a rack is in the center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This is a key step for many Simple Chicken Recipes.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with a little salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the chicken. Sear for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side. We are just browning the outside, not cooking it through.
Step 3: Bake The Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This initial baking period starts cooking the chicken evenly before we add the delicious sauce.
Step 4: Baste And Finish Baking
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Baste each chicken breast with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the firecracker sauce. You will have plenty of sauce left over for serving later, which is always a bonus.
Return the chicken to the oven. Continue baking for another 11 to 15 minutes. You will know it is done when the chicken feels firm, is cooked through, or a meat thermometer reads 165°F. This is a crucial tip for all Chicken Breast Recipes.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the firecracker chicken with the leftover sauce on the side for dipping. It goes wonderfully with some steamed rice and green veggies.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you are in for a treat the next day. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from making things soggy.
Place the chicken and any extra sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Tips
- Control the Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes determines the spice. Start with less if you are unsure, you can always add more to the serving sauce.
- Make The Sauce Ahead: The firecracker sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes dinner prep even faster.
- Try Chicken Thighs: This recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken thighs too. They might need a few extra minutes of cooking time, so use a thermometer to check.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is amazing with fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad are also fantastic pairings.
- Don’t Skip The Sear: Searing the chicken before baking adds a ton of flavor and texture. It is a quick step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Conclusion
This Firecracker Chicken is more than just another recipe. It is one of those fantastic Quick Dinner Ideas that brings a little excitement to your dinner table. It is proof that you do not need complicated steps to create something truly special.
Give this a try the next time you are looking for new Chicken Breast Recipes. I have a feeling it will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation, just like it has in ours. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Hot Sauce?
Absolutely. While Franks Original provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with other brands. Just be mindful that the heat level and flavor profile of the sauce will change depending on what you use.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten free. However, it is always a good idea to double check the label on your hot sauce bottle to ensure it is certified gluten free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I Make This On The Grill?
Yes, this would be delicious on the grill. Grill the chicken until it is almost cooked through, then baste it with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The grill will add a nice smoky flavor.
What Can I Serve With Firecracker Chicken?
This is one of those Delicious Family Dinners that pairs well with many sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. You could also serve it with quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a side of creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
Firecracker Chicken
Enjoy a sweet and spicy Firecracker Chicken recipe with a delicious glaze. This simple chicken dish is quick to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Place it over medium high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently.
- Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. The sauce will look a bit thin, but do not worry. It thickens up quite a bit as it cools down. Once it is done simmering, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F. Make sure a rack is in the center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This is a key step for many Simple Chicken Recipes.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with a little salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the chicken. Sear for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side. We are just browning the outside, not cooking it through.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This initial baking period starts cooking the chicken evenly before we add the delicious sauce.
- After 5 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Baste each chicken breast with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the firecracker sauce. You will have plenty of sauce left over for serving later, which is always a bonus.
- Return the chicken to the oven. Continue baking for another 11 to 15 minutes. You will know it is done when the chicken feels firm, is cooked through, or a meat thermometer reads 165°F. This is a crucial tip for all Chicken Breast Recipes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the firecracker chicken with the leftover sauce on the side for dipping. It goes wonderfully with some steamed rice and green veggies.
Notes
Control the Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes determines the spice. Start with less if you are unsure, you can always add more to the serving sauce.
Make The Sauce Ahead: The firecracker sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes dinner prep even faster.
Try Chicken Thighs: This recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken thighs too. They might need a few extra minutes of cooking time, so use a thermometer to check.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is amazing with fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad are also fantastic pairings.
Don’t Skip The Sear: Searing the chicken before baking adds a ton of flavor and texture. It is a quick step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
