Firecracker Ground Chicken: Quick, Bold, and Delicious!
This Firecracker Ground Chicken recipe is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or just need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste, this one has got you covered.
The sticky firecracker sauce transforms simple ground chicken into a dish that’ll leave your taste buds singing!
Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights.
And the best part? You’ve probably got most of the ingredients right in your pantry!
Perfect for serving over rice or cauliflower rice with a sprinkle of scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking!
For Firecracker Ground Chicken:
- Ground Chicken – I recommend using 92/8 ground chicken for a balance of lean meat and flavor. It cooks quickly and holds the sauce well.
- Chili Oil – Adds a rich depth of flavor and a spicy kick to the chicken.
- Swerve Brown Sugar – A sugar substitute that keeps the sauce low-carb and gives it that perfect sweetness. You can use regular brown sugar if preferred.
- Buffalo Sauce – Provides that tangy, spicy punch to balance the sweetness.
- Cider or Rice Vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity to brighten up the sauce and balance the flavors.
- Ground Ginger – A warm, aromatic spice that complements the sauce’s heat and sweetness.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the depth of the flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt – Brings all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper – A pinch to enhance the savory notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For extra heat and a slight crunch.
Firecracker Ground Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8)
- ½ tbsp (8g) Chili Oil
- ½ cup (96g) Swerve Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) Cider or Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add chili oil. Brown both sides of the ground chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, break the chicken apart into small pieces and cook thoroughly.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the remaining ingredients (Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes) in a mixing bowl.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Serve the firecracker chicken over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Sure! You can swap the ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even beef. Each will add a different flavor, but the firecracker sauce will work wonderfully with all of them.
- How can I make it less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and buffalo sauce. You can also add a little more Swerve brown sugar or regular brown sugar to balance the heat with some sweetness.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to cook, just heat it up and pour it over the cooked chicken.
- What are the best sides to serve with this dish?
This Firecracker Ground Chicken goes great with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried veggies. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is perfect. You can even toss some scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor!
- How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
