Firecracker Chicken

An incredibly easy Baked Firecracker Chicken recipe that can be on your dinner table in 30 minutes with the most delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Simple, quick, utterly delicious and perfect for busy nights!

Juicy Baked Firecracker Chicken

Baked chicken is one of my go to dishes whenever I need a quick dinner or lunch. It’s something we make at least a couple times a week in my household. While many people don’t like baked chicken breast because of the idea that it’s dry, I’m here to show you different. With a couple tips and tricks, I can show you how to have baked juicy chicken breast every single time!

So why Firecracker Chicken? Because you guys love my Firecracker Salmon recipe and you always write to me and ask me how to make it with chicken breast. So here it is. We make this chicken often because this firecracker sauce is to die for! It’s spicy, it’s sweet, it’s finger licking delicious!

What Ingredients Are In Firecracker Chicken

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here’s what you’ll need for this awesome dish:

• Chicken Breasts – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, however you can use chicken with bone in and skin on but it may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
• Brown Sugar – I like to use dark brown sugar, make sure it’s packed.
• Soy Sauce – I always use low sodium soy sauce to cut down on the sodium.
• Olive Oil 
• Ginger – fresh ginger. Did you know you can store your fresh ginger in the freezer, and when you need some just take it out and grate it?
• Garlic – I always use fresh garlic, not the one that comes in a jar. I find the flavor is much better with fresh garlic. To save time, I buy the peeled garlic.
• Hot Sauce – my favorite to use is a good organic Sriracha sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes – if you don’t want this chicken too spicy, use less or omit them completely.
• Pepper – freshly ground!

How To Make Firecracker Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 450 F degrees. For this recipe use a 9×13 baking dish, I used a cast iron one, but not necessary. If you’re doubling the recipe, you can use a baking sheet. If using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper to help with the cleanup process.
2. Mix all the yummy sauce ingredients together. Place the chicken breasts with the bottom side up in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over and use a brush to brush it evenly over the breasts. Flip the breasts over and pour the remaining sauce over them. Brush or spoon sauce from the pan over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered.
3. Transfer the baking dish, uncovered, to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes. The baking time could be different depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.

How Long To Cook Chicken Breast

At 450 F degrees chicken breast should be done around the 20 minute mark. However, it can depend on the thickness and size of breasts. The best way tell when the chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer.The breast is cooked when it’s completely opaque all the way through and registers 165 to 170 F on an instant-read thermometer.

Can You Use Thighs or Drumsticks

Yes, you can! Chicken drumsticks will take longer to cook, about 35 to 40 minutes at 450 F degrees. Chicken thighs should take about 20 to 25 minutes. However the best way to tell is to use a meat thermometer as stated above.

Tips For Making The Best Baked Chicken Breast

Temperature is key – After many trials of cooking chicken breasts at different temperatures, 450 F degrees produces the juiciest chicken breast. So if you’re wondering why 450, this is the reason why. The high temperature sears the chicken and keeps the juices inside, plus it takes a lot less time to cook.

Season your chicken – Don’t be afraid to season your chicken properly and thoroughly. Use more than salt and pepper. Experiment with different spices and herbs. Chicken breast is like a blank canvas. Do your worst!

Use a meat thermometer – In my opinion this is the best and only way to properly tell if the chicken breasts are cooked through. The breast is cooked when it’s completely opaque all the way through and registers 165 to 170 F on an instant-read thermometer.

Rest your breast before serving – This is another important key factor when striving for juicy oven baked chicken breast. Rest it for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. This is important because it allows the juices to settle, so when you do slice into it, not all the juices run right out. Who wants a dry breast, anyway?

What To Serve With Firecracker Chicken

When I told you we make this a couple times a week I wasn’t lying. I love to serve mine with a cabbage salad, for a low carb meal. I shred some napa cabbage (my favorite to use for salads) and season it with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Super simple and so delicious. Here are some other great suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Coleslaw Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Potato Salad
• Kale Salad

How Do You Store Leftover Chicken

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen in an air tight container for up to 3 months.

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