Firecracker Ground Chicken
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that packs a punch?
This Firecracker Ground Chicken is your answer!
With a combination of chili oil, buffalo sauce,
and a sticky sweet and spicy firecracker sauce, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes.
It’s bold, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights
when you’re craving something exciting without the long prep time.
Plus, it’s so simple to make,
you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
For Firecracker Ground Chicken
- Ground Chicken – I recommend using 92/8 ground chicken for a lean, high-protein option, but you can also use 97/3 for a leaner choice.
- Chili Oil – Adds a nice kick and richness to the dish, helping to crisp the chicken while cooking.
- Swerve Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness without the carbs. You can swap this with real brown sugar for a more traditional taste.
- Buffalo Sauce – The key to bringing that spicy, tangy flavor to the dish. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce works perfectly.
- Cider or Rice Vinegar – Adds the acidity and balance to the sauce.
- Ground Ginger – Gives a subtle, warming flavor that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic Powder – A must-have for adding flavor and savory notes.
- Kosher Salt – To season the chicken and balance the flavors.
- Black Pepper – A little goes a long way in rounding out the flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For an extra layer of spice and heat.
Firecracker Ground Chicken
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8)
- 1/2 Tbsp Chili Oil (approx. 8g)
- 1/2 cup Swerve Brown Sugar (approx. 96g)
- 1/4 cup Buffalo Sauce (approx. 60g)
- 2 Tbsp Cider or Rice Vinegar (approx. 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:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chili oil. Brown the ground chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, mince the chicken and cook until fully done.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the Swerve Brown Sugar, Buffalo Sauce, vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Serve: Serve the firecracker chicken over rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes:
- Alternatives: You can substitute the Swerve Brown Sugar with real brown sugar for a slightly higher carb count, or use honey as a sweetener.
- Variations: You can use different ground meats like turkey, beef, or pork if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 185 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! Feel free to swap ground chicken with turkey, beef, or pork. Each will offer a different flavor and texture but will still work perfectly in the recipe.
- What if I don’t have chili oil?
If chili oil is unavailable, you can substitute it with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. For the heat, add a bit of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish, you can increase or decrease the Swerve Brown Sugar or replace it with regular brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Is there a substitute for buffalo sauce?
Yes, if buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can use any hot sauce, like sriracha or sweet chili sauce. For a milder dish, go for a barbecue sauce or a mix of ketchup and hot sauce.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! The Firecracker Ground Chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for later; just reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
These simple tips will help streamline your cooking process and still deliver that amazing flavor! Enjoy!
