Renee's Kitchen Quest

Bring on the heat!
Firecracker Chicken

Firecracker Chicken

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Firecracker Chicken

Hello, my fellow food adventurers!

Today’s Kitchen Quest is a blazing adventure: Firecracker Chicken! This dish is hot—and I mean firecracker hot. You know I’m all about that spicy life, and this recipe delivers a sizzling punch. We’re talking a fearless blend of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, crushed red pepper, and brown sugar—a perfect harmony of heat and sweet that’ll set your taste buds ablaze. Served over a bed of rice to soak up that glorious, fiery sauce, it’s pure perfection. Fair warning, though: this Firecracker Chicken is so addictive I could drink the sauce (with a giant glass of water on standby, of course!), but it’s probably not for the little adventurers at your table. Ready to wield your skillet and conquer this spicy beast?”

Why You’ll Love It

Get ready to fall under this Firecracker Chicken’s spell, my fellow heat-seekers! You’ll love the way it balances a tongue-tingling inferno with a sticky-sweet edge—thanks to that brown sugar magic taming the Frank’s Red Hot fury. It’s a quick quest that packs a massive flavor reward, perfect for when you crave something bold and badass. The sauce clings to every juicy bite of chicken, and that rice? It’s your trusty shield, catching every drop of that fiery elixir. If you’re like me and live for spice, this’ll be your new victory anthem—just don’t blame me when you’re licking the plate clean. Brave the heat, and claim your glory!

Ingredients You’ll Need (Your Quest Inventory):

  • 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (the fiery dragon’s breath)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (the sweet alchemist’s gold)
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce (a savory potion)
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar (a tangy spark)
  • 4 tsp minced garlic (the bold warrior’s essence)
  • Dash of red pepper flakes (a sprinkle of chaos)
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil (the forge’s flame)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (the thickening charm)
  • 4 chicken breasts (the hero’s bounty)
Armed with your inventory, it’s time to ignite this culinary quest—let’s forge a dish that’s as fierce as it is delicious!

 

How To Make It:

    • Prepare the Rice Sanctuary: Cook your rice according to the package’s ancient scrolls. This trusty bed will catch every drop of fiery glory—set it aside to await its destiny.
    • Brew the Firecracker Elixir: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp. soy sauce, 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 4 tsp minced garlic, and a daring dash of red pepper flakes. Heat this concoction over medium flame until it bubbles with fiery intent—about 5 minutes of simmering sorcery.
    • Thicken the Potion: Whisk in 1 tsp cornstarch with the finesse of a mage, stirring until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky armor—ready to coat your chicken in its spicy embrace. Set this elixir aside to cool its fury slightly.
    • Ignite the Forge: Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—your battlefield is primed! Season chicken breasts with  jalapeño salt and ground red pepper, arming them with extra heat for the fight ahead.
    • Sear the Beasts: Lay the seasoned chicken into the skillet and sear each side for 5 minutes, until golden-brown battle scars form—crisp on the outside, juicy within. This is no time for mercy!
    • Anoint with Fire: Transfer your valiant chicken to a baking dish. Pour that glorious Firecracker Sauce over them, ensuring every piece is drenched in its sweet-spicy wrath.
    • Bake to Triumph: Thrust the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp, if you’re wielding a thermometer). The sauce will caramelize into a fiery crown—victory is near!
    • Claim Your Feast: Serve your Firecracker Chicken atop that bed of rice (or noodles, if you’re feeling rebellious). Drizzle extra Firecracker Sauce over the top, and dig in—savor the heat, my brave warriors!
Firecracker Chicken

Firecracker Chicken

This Firecracker Chicken is hot, we’re talking a fearless blend of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, crushed red pepper, and brown sugar—a perfect harmony of heat and sweet that’ll set your taste buds ablaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup White RIce Uncooked
  • 1 Cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 4 Tsp. Minced Garlic
  • 1/4 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Tsp. Cornstarch
  • 4 Chicken Breasts

Instructions
 

  • Cook rice according to package directions.
  • Heat the franks red hot sauce, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red peppers in a small saucepan until hot.
  • Whist in the cornstarch until thick.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken breast with jalapeno salt and ground red pepper.
  • Add to the pan and brown for about 5 minutes each side.
  • Transfer to a baking dish. Pour the firecracker sauce over the top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.

This Firecracker Chicken is a blazing triumph, but every warrior needs a few secret moves and alternate paths to master the quest. Here’s how to sharpen your skills and remix this fiery feast!”
Cooking Tricks:
  • Sauce Sorcery: Double the Firecracker Sauce recipe if you’re like me and want extra for dipping—or drinking (kidding… mostly). Store it in a vial (er, jar) in the fridge for up to a week!
  • Heat Tamer: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of water or broth after searing the chicken, then mix those flavorful bits into the sauce—every drop counts in this battle!
  • Crisp Victory: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to char the sauce into a sticky, caramelized armor—extra texture, extra glory.
  • Rice Hack: Cook your rice in a bit of chicken broth instead of water—it’s a subtle power-up that pairs perfectly with the spice.

Variations:

  • Inferno Boost: Swap the red pepper flakes for a diced fresh chili (like serrano or habanero) if you’re a true fire-breather—dare to up the heat!
  • Sweet Shift: Trade brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sticky-sweet twist—each one’s a new potion to wield.
  • Veggie Alliance: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the chicken before baking—more loot for your plate!
  • Protein Swap: Sub the chicken for shrimp or tofu—same sauce, new heroes. (Shrimp cooks faster—10-15 minutes in the oven.)
  • Cooling Relic: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a lime wedge on the side—a soothing shield for those who need a breather from the blaze.
These tricks and twists are your arsenal—forge this dish to fit your flavor realm. Which will you conquer first, my fearless spice knights?
Please check out my last adventure if you missed it: Creamy Tuscan Salmon