Firecracker Chicken (HelloFresh Style)
This is my go to answer when I want takeout energy without the takeout wait. Crispy pan fried chicken gets tossed in a sticky sweet and spicy firecracker sauce that clings to every bite, then piled over rice. I have made it on plenty of busy weeknights and it always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbboneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/3 cupcornstarch
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 3 tbspneutral oil such as canola or avocado
- 1/3 cuphot sauce such as Frank's RedHot
- 1/4 cuplight brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsphoney
- 1 tbsprice vinegar
- 1 tbspsoy sauce
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 1/2 tspcrushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cuplong grain white rice, cooked
- scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- 1Start the riceGet your rice going first so it is ready when the chicken is. Cook 1.5 cups of long grain white rice according to the package, which usually means simmering with a bit more than double the water for about 15 to 18 minutes, then let it rest covered off the heat.
- 2Coat the chickenPat the chicken pieces dry, then season them well with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss them with the cornstarch in a bowl until every piece is lightly and evenly coated. The dry chicken and the cornstarch are what give you that crisp edge, so do not skip the drying.
- 3Whisk the firecracker sauceIn a small bowl, stir together the hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Taste it and adjust. Add a splash more honey if you want it milder or more flakes if you like real heat.
- 4Fry the chickenHeat the oil in a large skillet over medium high until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in two batches so the pan is not crowded, and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Move each batch to a plate as it finishes.
- 5Glaze it upLower the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the same skillet. Let it bubble and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Return all the chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is sticky and glazed.
- 6Build the bowlsSpoon the rice into bowls and pile the firecracker chicken on top. Finish with sliced scallions and a shower of sesame seeds. Serve right away while the glaze is still glossy and hot.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
560calories
45gprotein
4servings
Rather have it delivered?
This is my take on the HelloFresh style dish. If you would rather have the real box show up at your door, here is my honest take after testing it in my own kitchen.
Read my HelloFresh review or see my best high protein meal delivery guide
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