This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken has an incredible balance of sweet and spicy ingredients that creates a mouth-watering burst of flavor in every bite. And the best part is, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your dinner menu lineup, this firecracker chicken recipe will really deliver. But don’t let the name intimidate you because the heat level can be easily adjusted to suit the preferences of your family or guests. Whether you’re looking for a meal with a spicy kick of heat or prefer it with a milder taste, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe so irresistible is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The juicy, tender chicken is cooked to perfection in the crockpot, while the sweet, and spicy sticky sauce creates the most incredible explosion of taste. And the best part? This recipe requires minimal effort, which means less time in the kitchen while your crockpot does the majority of the cooking for you.
If you love recipes that will add a little spice to the table, you should also try these Hot Cheeto Chicken Tenders and this amazing Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The firecracker chicken recipe is known for its unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors that make it a favorite with the whole family.
- Convenience: This is an easy recipe that slow cooks in the crock pot. It’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t have the time to stand over the stove for hours.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to give it just enough heat you prefer. This makes it a great option when preparing it for kids.
- Versatile: You can serve it as a tasty main course meal with a simple side dish or at your next party as a great appetizer. You can even use the chicken in lettuce wraps for an easy lunch option.
Ingredients
- Chicken, diced into bite size pieces
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Hot wing Buffalo sauce
- Brown sugar (you can use light or dark brown sugar)
- Water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Scallions (green onions) for garnish
Directions
Step One: Dredge Chicken in Cornstarch Coating
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
- Toss with cornstarch to make sure each piece is coated.
Step Two: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Brown the chicken quickly in the pan, working in batches if needed.
- We are not looking to cook the chicken through, just get a little color on each side.
NOTE: You’re not looking to cook the chicken through at this stage, just get a little color on each side.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
Step Three: Combine Sauce Ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl combine the hot wing sauce, brown sugar, water and vinegar.
Step 4: Add the Sauce to the Chicken
- Pour the sweet and spicy firecracker sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir.
Step 5. Cook and Serve
- Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once or twice to make sure the sugars are not burning.
- Garnish with scallions and serve over white rice.
Firecracker Chicken Variations and Add-ins
- Add some veggies: Add a variety of vegetables such as bell pepper, onions, and broccoli to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
- Pineapple chucks: Add a cup of sweet pineapple to the crockpot for a deliciously sweet twist that complements the spicy chicken.
- Honey: Add a touch of honey in place of the brown sugar
- Soy sauce: A couple of hearty dashes of savory soy sauce pairs really well with the other sauce ingredients.
- Sesame seeds: Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds or black sesame seeds for added color and crunch.
- Garlic: Add finely minced fresh garlic to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving for a citrusy kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an easy way to add a pop of freshness and color.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, first, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure you add all the yummy sauce so you’ll have plenty to reheat.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to a couple of months. But it will lose some of its crispy texture.
Why Type of Chicken is Best for Firecracker Chicken?
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even chicken tenders for this crock pot recipe. A thigh has a more tender and juicy texture compared to a chicken breast, but they both work well with the sauce.
What Should I Serve with This Firecracker Chicken?
Slow cooker firecracker chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad, cauliflower rice or coleslaw for a lighter meal.
Want More Slow Cooker Recipes?
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Crockpot Smokies
- Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Crockpot Beef Stew
- Simple Slow Cooker Chili
- Crockpot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken diced into bite size pieces
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup oil
- ½ cup hot wing sauce
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- scallions garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, toss chicken in cornstarch to coat.
- In large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat, then add chicken and brown. You don't need to cook the chicken through, just get color on each side.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the hot wing sauce, brown sugar, water, and vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once or twice to make sure the sugars are not burning.
- Garnish with scallions and serve over white rice.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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