This Firecracker Ground Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that packs a punch. Featuring ground chicken cooked in chili oil and then tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy firecracker sauce, it's a perfect option for a weeknight dinner. The combination of savory and spicy flavors will leave your taste buds tingling. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Firecracker Ground Chicken recipe is perfect for those who crave bold, spicy flavors but need a dish that’s quick and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that's full of flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. The sauce is the star here—sticky, sweet, and spicy, making this dish irresistibly delicious. Plus, it's low-carb and can be served over cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Whether you're making it for dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken (92/8)
½ tablespoon (8g) chili oil
½ cup (96g) Swerve brown sugar
¼ cup (60g) buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons (30g) cider or rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chili oil. Once heated, brown the ground chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, mince the chicken in the skillet and continue cooking until fully done.
Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, cider or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Combine and Simmer:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
Serve:
Serve the Firecracker Ground Chicken over rice or cauliflower rice. For extra flavor and a beautiful garnish, top with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal

Variations

Add Veggies: You can easily add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or buffalo sauce to make the dish milder or spicier, depending on your taste preferences.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of Swerve brown sugar.
Use Ground Turkey or Beef: Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef for a different twist on the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Firecracker Ground Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes if you're in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's great for meal prep!

Can I use a different sweetener instead of Swerve brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute Swerve brown sugar with other sweeteners like monk fruit sweetener or regular brown sugar if preferred.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild to medium spice level due to the buffalo sauce and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less spice.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or buffalo sauce for a spicier kick.

Can I serve this over regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?

Absolutely! This dish is versatile and can be served over regular rice, quinoa, or any grain of your choice.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free buffalo sauce and check the labels of any other ingredients.

Can I use another type of oil instead of chili oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil if you prefer, but chili oil adds a unique flavor to this dish.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach is a great way to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

What can I garnish this with?

You can garnish your Firecracker Ground Chicken with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or cilantro for extra flavor and color.

Conclusion

This Firecracker Ground Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal, combining spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in a simple yet delicious dish. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, you can have a meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you're enjoying it over rice or cauliflower rice, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors.

Firecracker Ground Chicken

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Firecracker Ground Chicken recipe is an easy and quick dinner option, bursting with bold flavors. Cooked in chili oil and smothered in a sticky, sweet, and spicy firecracker sauce, it’s perfect for anyone craving a flavorful meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is low-carb and can be served over cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. With a balance of savory and spicy notes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Instructions

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add chili oil. Brown the ground chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side. Mince the chicken in the skillet and cook until fully done.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together Swerve brown sugar, buffalo sauce, cider or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Combine and Simmer:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
Serve:
Serve over rice or cauliflower rice. For garnish, top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes.
Sweetness can be increased by adding more Swerve brown sugar.
Feel free to swap the ground chicken with turkey or beef.
To make it even more nutritious, consider adding bell peppers or zucchini.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American