There's something about the zing and heat of a good stir fry that just hits the spot. The bold flavors and quick-cook method make this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a go-to when you want a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time but still packs a punch of flavor and color.

The image shows a black pan filled with stir-fried dish made of many thin pieces of light brown cooked chicken, bright green snap peas, and strips of red and yellow bell peppers. The chicken pieces are mixed evenly with the vegetables, all coated in a glossy brown sauce. The snap peas are shiny and fresh looking, some cut diagonally, and the bell pepper strips add a pop of color around the pan. Small slices of green onion are scattered on top, adding a fresh green touch. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe because it balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in a way that always gets me excited for dinner. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough if you have guests over.

Bold Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, sriracha, and garlic creates a sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and full of depth.
Fast and Fresh: From chopping to plate, it comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Colorful and Nutritious: Bright bell peppers and sugar snap peas add crunch and vibrancy, making it as pleasing to the eyes as to the taste buds.
Flexible and Customizable: Easily adjust the heat or swap veggies to match what you have on hand or prefer.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir fry. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom is a sauce with a shiny brown color covering the pan, the middle layer has sliced pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown, slightly glossy texture, and the top layer includes green snap peas, bright red bell pepper strips, and yellow bell pepper strips scattered evenly throughout. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the stir fry on the left side. The pan is resting on a light gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect harmony of taste and texture. Plus, with just a handful of staples, it’s easy to shop for and whip up anytime.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small mound of coarse sea salt and black peppercorns, a sliced red bell pepper, a sliced yellow bell pepper, a handful of fresh sugar snap peas, three green onions cut into rings, a small white bowl of glossy dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha, a small white bowl of thick deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with rich brown sesame oil, three fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up the spicy-sweet sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: Using olive oil keeps the dish light but flavorful when stir-frying chicken and veggies.
Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: They bring vibrant color and sweetness that balance the heat.
Sugar Snap Peas: Add fresh crunch and a subtle sweetness to the mix, making each bite satisfying.
Green Onions: Fresh and mild onion flavor tops off the dish perfectly.
Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce that deepens the overall flavor.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps create a lovely glaze.
Sriracha: Brings that essential spicy kick, which you can dial up or down.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a subtle tang to round out the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweeter components of the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash goes a long way, imparting that nutty, toasty aroma.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic amps up the savory depth and complements the spice.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes & Black Pepper: Extra layers of warmth and spice for complexity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I've played around with this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe quite a bit, and I love how versatile it is. Don't hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the result!

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken breasts for thighs when I wanted juicier, more flavorful meat. It works beautifully and stays tender.
Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to cut back on sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer milder heat—or add extra if you like it fiery!
Veggie Swaps: Broccoli florets or snap peas also work wonderfully if bell peppers aren’t in season or on hand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Chicken Perfectly Sautéed

I start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat so it gets nice and hot—this helps brown the chicken without steaming it. Adding the chicken pieces in a single layer is key to getting that golden exterior. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then to brown evenly. Don’t crowd the pan—if you need to, cook the chicken in batches to keep it crisp and not soggy. Once done, I place the chicken on a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies to Tender-Crisp Perfection

Next, I add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and toss in those gorgeous red and yellow peppers along with the sugar snap peas. Stirring frequently, I cook them for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn tender but still have a nice crunch. This balance is what makes the texture of the dish so satisfying.

Step 3: Whisk Together That Zesty Firecracker Sauce

While the veggies cook, I mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisking it well ensures the flavors meld, and it coats the chicken and veggies beautifully later on.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the veggies are just right, I add the chicken back to the pan. Pour over that spicy-sweet firecracker sauce and stir everything to coat evenly. Then I bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step melds all those flavors into one delicious dish.

Step 5: Serve It Up and Enjoy!

I usually serve this over steamed jasmine rice and top it with sliced green onions for freshness and a little pop of color. It’s a quick, colorful dinner that feels like a real treat.

Top Tip

After making this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a dozen times, a few simple touches made all the difference in perfecting it. Here’s what I’ve learned that might help you nail it on your first try.

Hot Pan, Quick Cooking: Don't rush the browning of the chicken—make sure the skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd it to get that lovely sear.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness: I sometimes tweak the honey amount; it’s easier to start less sweet and add more if needed after tasting.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the sauce thicken on low heat makes sure it clings perfectly to every piece of chicken and veggie.
Fresh Garlic Is Key: Using fresh minced garlic instead of powder always gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Firecracker Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions because they add freshness and a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I like to add a few toasted sesame seeds for a nutty touch and extra texture—plus it looks so pretty!

Side Dishes

Rice is my go-to, especially jasmine or sticky rice, which soaks up that saucy goodness perfectly. On the side, I recommend a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this stir fry in lettuce wraps for a hands-on experience, letting guests build their own wraps with the chicken and veggies. It’s interactive and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up in the fridge, so give it a quick stir after reheating to bring back its saucy charm.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this stir fry successfully. Just make sure to cool it completely before popping it into freezer-safe containers. It saves well for up to 3 months, making it a life-saver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm everything evenly. A splash of water or broth helps loosen up the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

How spicy is the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

It's moderately spicy thanks to the sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding less or more, depending on your preference.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop all your veggies and slice the chicken in advance. You can even mix the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Just stir-fry everything fresh for the best texture.

What should I serve with Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice are perfect to soak up the sauce. For a lighter side, I recommend a crisp cucumber salad or some steamed greens.

Final Thoughts

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it never fails to brighten my day with its bold flavors and vibrant colors. I hope as you make it, you’ll find it just as rewarding—quick enough for a busy evening but delicious enough to savor every bite. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!