Firecracker Chicken is tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a bold, spicy firecracker sauce. First, the chicken is seared to perfection, then baked until irresistibly flavorful—all in one oven-safe skillet for easy cleanup! The homemade firecracker sauce is the real game-changer here; once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. If you need another incredible chicken recipe, be sure to try our Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

A plate of firecracker chicken over rice.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe, as they stay juicy and pack in extra flavor. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them—just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking creates a crispier exterior, locking in moisture and flavor.
Firecracker Sauce: This homemade sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, inspired by Asian flavors. While homemade is best, a store-bought version can work in a pinch.

What to Serve with Firecracker Chicken

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Here are some great options:

White or Brown Rice
Fried Rice (Have you ever tried Air Fryer Fried Rice?) or Garlic Parmesan Rice
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
German Cucumber Salad
Coleslaw
Homemade Egg Rolls
Mashed Potatoes

Can I Make Firecracker Sauce in Advance?

Yes! To save time, prepare the firecracker sauce up to two weeks ahead. Store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

How to Store Firecracker Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven for the best texture and flavor.

Firecracker Chicken

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 28

Firecracker Chicken Thighs are seared, glazed in spicy sauce, and baked until tender—flavorful, juicy, and made in one skillet!

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Ingredients

▢ 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ ½ cup cornstarch
▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
▢ 1 cup firecracker sauce, homemade or store-bought
▢ green onion, chopped, for garnish
▢ fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
Add the cornstarch to a shallow plate. Dredge each chicken thigh in the cornstarch, coating all sides evenly. Shake off any excess and set aside.
In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage and may stick to the pan, so carefully loosen it when flipping.
Pour the firecracker sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onion and parsley. Serve immediately.