Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This firecracker ground chicken recipe delivers a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, it’s high in protein and easily adaptable for a low-carb lifestyle, offering a delicious and wholesome option. Get ready to add this versatile dish to your meal prep rotation!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Firecracker Ground Chicken
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. It’s truly a standout for anyone seeking quick, flavorful, and healthy meals.
- Quick & Easy: This firecracker chicken ground dish is on your table in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.
- Incredible Flavor: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite. The sauce creates an addictive taste sensation.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein, this meal is fantastic for supporting your health goals. You can easily customize it to fit your preferred macros.
- Versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides, from rice to lettuce wraps, making it adaptable to any craving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It tastes just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for preparing ahead.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your sensational firecracker ground chicken recipe:
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8 or preferred): Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier base.
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Chili Oil: Adds a lovely depth and a hint of heat.
- 1/2 C (96g) Swerve Brown Sugar: A fantastic sugar substitute to keep carbs low.
- 1/4 C (60g) Buffalo Sauce: Provides a tangy, spicy kick. Frank’s RedHot is a great choice.
- 2 Tbsp (30g) Cider or Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and spice with a bright acidity.
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory garlic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: A touch of classic seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra burst of heat, adjust to your liking.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your pantry or dietary needs.
- Ground Meat: Feel free to swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef.
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and buffalo sauce.
- Sweetener: If not concerned with sugar substitutes, use honey, maple syrup, or regular dark brown sugar.
- Vinegar: White vinegar works well if you don’t have rice or apple cider vinegar.
- Fresh Spices: For an even bolder flavor, use freshly minced ginger and garlic instead of dried.
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up this delicious dish.
- Large non-stick skillet: Essential for cooking the ground chicken and sauce evenly.
- Mixing bowl: For whisking together the flavorful firecracker sauce.
- Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining the sauce ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up the chicken and stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
How To Make Firecracker Ground Chicken
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious ground chicken firecracker.
- Prep the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, cider or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk all these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chili oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds. Carefully add the ground chicken to the hot skillet, pressing it down lightly to form a single layer. Let the chicken brown undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
- Cook Thoroughly: After browning one side, use your spatula or wooden spoon to break up the ground chicken into smaller pieces. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. This will take another 5-7 minutes, depending on your stove and skillet. To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Fat (Optional): If your ground chicken has released a significant amount of fat, you may choose to carefully drain the excess from the pan. This helps keep the dish lighter and prevents the sauce from becoming too oily. Simply tilt the pan and spoon out the fat, or use a paper towel to blot it away.
- Add the Sauce: Once the ground chicken is fully cooked and any excess fat is drained, pour the prepared firecracker sauce directly over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the vibrant sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 3-5 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken and become glossy and syrupy, clinging beautifully to the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious firecracker ground chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve it hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Firecracker Ground Chicken
These tips will help you perfect your firecracker ground chicken every time.
- Flavorful Browning: Don’t rush browning the chicken. A good sear creates deep, savory flavors that enhance the entire dish. Let it sit undisturbed initially.
- Prevent Burning: The sauce contains sugar (or sugar substitute), so it can caramelize quickly. Stir the sauce constantly once added to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Adjust Spice: Always taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken, and then again after it has simmered. Add more red pepper flakes, if desired, for an extra kick.
- Even Cooking: Spread the ground chicken evenly in the skillet at the start. This ensures consistent browning and cooking throughout.
- Sauce Consistency: Cook the sauce until it becomes sticky and coats the back of a spoon. Avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming too thick, or undercooking, where it remains watery.
- Meal Prep Hack: Make an extra batch of the firecracker sauce and store it in the fridge for even quicker future meals.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make this dish your own with these ideas!
How to Serve Firecracker Ground Chicken
- Serve your firecracker chicken ground over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair it with cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb option that still satisfies.
- Create flavorful lettuce wraps by spooning the chicken into crisp lettuce cups.
- Mix the cooked chicken directly into a quick noodle stir-fry for an added protein boost.
- Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Transfer any leftover firecracker ground chicken to an airtight container.
- Duration: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition and texture by stirring in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Sweetness Boost: For a touch of fruity sweetness, stir in some canned pineapple chunks (drained) with the sauce.
- Garnish: Elevate the presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a small spoonful of cream cheese or a dash of coconut milk at the very end.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meals helps you stay on track. This easy firecracker ground chicken is a fantastic choice.
The nutritional information provided below is an estimate per serving, based on using 92/8 ground chicken and Swerve brown sugar.
- Using leaner chicken will further reduce fat content.
- Opting for a sugar substitute significantly lowers the carbohydrate count compared to using regular brown sugar, making this recipe keto and low-carb friendly.
- Always check the labels of your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional values.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 22g |
FAQ
Got questions? We have answers to help you master your firecracker ground chicken recipe.
What makes it a “firecracker”?
The name refers to the dish’s signature sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, delivering a burst of bold flavor with every bite.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and choose a milder buffalo sauce to decrease the heat.
Can I use frozen ground chicken?
Yes, just ensure the ground chicken is fully thawed before you begin cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your buffalo sauce to confirm it contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
Can the sauce be made ahead?
Yes, you can whisk the firecracker sauce ingredients together up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Absolutely, this firecracker ground chicken stores wonderfully and reheats perfectly, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping throughout the week.
Conclusion
This easy firecracker ground chicken is a truly remarkable recipe, blending incredible flavor with effortless preparation. It’s a healthy, high-protein meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a perfect solution for your busy schedule. We hope you feel empowered to try this quick weeknight winner and bring a burst of exciting flavors to your dinner table. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!
Easy 20-Minute Firecracker Ground Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8)
- 1/2 Tbsp Chili Oil (8g)
- 1/2 C Swerve Brown Sugar (96g)
- 1/4 C Buffalo Sauce (60g)
- 2 Tbsp Cider or Rice Vinegar (30g)
- 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
Instructions
- Heat chili oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, then mince and fully cook.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl to create the firecracker sauce.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the sauce to the pan and cook until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Serve the firecracker chicken over rice or cauliflower rice, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.