This Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your home! It’s a delicious mix of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and colorful veggies.
You’ll enjoy how simple it is to whip this up on a busy night. Plus, who wouldn’t love a dish that tastes fancy but is super easy? It’s a definite crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best for this recipe. If you prefer a different protein, tofu or shrimp can work as great alternatives.
Cornstarch: This is key for creating a crispy coating. If you’re out, you can use potato starch or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple has a great flavor, but canned works well too. If you’re avoiding fruit, bell peppers alone can replace the pineapple.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less. If you’re not a fan of spicy, try using sweet chili sauce instead.
How Do I Get the Chicken Crisp and Juicy?
To achieve crispy chicken, the batter needs attention. Ensure the oil is hot enough, about 350°F, before frying. If it’s not hot, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature.
- Let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Following these steps will help you make perfectly crispy Sweet Fire Chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cold water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sweet Fire Sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and mixing the sauce, and then around 15 minutes cooking the chicken and vegetables. It’s a quick and tasty meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until combined. Next, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture is smooth. This will be your batter for coating the chicken.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and dip them into the batter, making sure that each piece is well covered. This coating is what helps keep the chicken juicy and gives it that crispy texture when fried.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to fry the chicken at around 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add Pineapple:
Add the pineapple chunks to the pan with the vegetables and give them a good stir. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your dish.
6. Make the Sweet Fire Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until you have a smooth sauce.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Toss in the Chicken:
Gently add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce, tossing everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
10. Serve:
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Fire Chicken hot over a bed of steamed white rice. It’s sweet, spicy, and sure to impress!
Dig in and savor the delicious flavors of this simple yet satisfying dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken with Skin?
While boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for this recipe, you can use chicken thighs with skin if you prefer! Just be aware that it will be a bit greasier, and you may need to adjust the frying time for cooking through.
What Can I Substitute for Sriracha?
If you want to adjust the heat level, you can use sweet chili sauce for a milder option, or increase the amount of soy sauce for a different flavor. Additionally, hot sauce or chili paste can substitute based on your spice preference.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method of running it under cold water in a sealed bag.
