This Firecracker Chicken Meal Prep is a deliciously balanced combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will elevate your weekly meal planning. Tender, crispy chicken is coated in a sticky honey sriracha sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat, perfectly complemented by steamed rice and crisp, colorful vegetables.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it’s also an excellent way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking to prep ahead for a busy week or just want a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Firecracker Chicken will leave you satisfied and ready to take on the day!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before assembling meal prep bowls.
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice into meal prep containers. Top with steamed broccoli, carrots, and the firecracker chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before sealing containers for storage.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
🔥 What is Firecracker Chicken?
Firecracker Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish inspired by Asian cuisine, featuring crispy bite-sized chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce, made from honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar, delivers an irresistible balance of heat and sweetness. This dish is often served over rice with steamed vegetables, making it a complete meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Sweet & Spicy Flavor: The honey balances the heat from the sriracha, creating a sauce that is addictive.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: This dish stores well and tastes just as good reheated, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.
- Customizable: Swap out the veggies, adjust the spice level, or even use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Healthy & High Protein: With lean chicken and fiber-rich veggies, this meal is great for those looking for a nutritious, high-protein meal.
🥡 Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh.
- Rice Alternatives: Replace jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed edamame or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spice.
- Top with a soft-boiled egg for added protein and richness.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch.
🌶️ Adjusting the Spice Level
- Mild: Reduce sriracha to 1 tablespoon and omit the red pepper flakes.
- Medium: Keep the recipe as is.
- Extra Spicy: Increase sriracha to 3 tablespoons and add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
🍳 Cooking Tips for the Best Firecracker Chicken
- Coat the chicken well – Tossing it in cornstarch before cooking helps create a crispy texture that holds the sauce better.
- Use a hot pan – Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat ensures a golden-brown sear.
- Let the sauce thicken – Simmering for a few minutes allows the sauce to caramelize and stick to the chicken beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of browning.
This Firecracker Chicken Meal Prep is a perfect combination of convenience, nutrition, and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal prep routine or just want a quick, easy, and delicious dinner, this recipe has you covered!
🥢 Ingredients & Substitutions
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken works best, but you can also use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Cornstarch: Helps crisp up the chicken when seared in the pan. You can also use arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking, but avocado oil or sesame oil works great too.
- Jasmine Rice: A classic base for this dish, but you can substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Steamed Broccoli & Carrots: Add color and crunch, but feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy.
Firecracker Sauce:
- Honey: Gives the dish its signature sweetness. You can swap with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different depth of flavor.
- Sriracha: Adds heat; if you prefer mild flavors, reduce the amount or substitute with sweet chili sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami flavor. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the sauce. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
- Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Give a bold, spicy kick! Adjust to your taste preference.
🔥 How to Make Firecracker Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them evenly with cornstarch. This helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Firecracker Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Meal Prep Bowls
- Divide cooked jasmine rice into four meal prep containers.
- Add steamed broccoli and matchstick carrots.
- Top with firecracker chicken, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.
🕒 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
How to Store:
- Fridge: Store in airtight meal prep containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over low heat with a bit of oil for a fresher taste.
🌶️ Adjusting the Spice Level
🔥 Mild Version: Use less sriracha (1 tbsp) and omit red pepper flakes.
🌶️ Medium Spice: Keep the recipe as is.
🔥🔥 Extra Spicy: Add an extra tablespoon of sriracha and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
🍚 What to Serve with Firecracker Chicken?
This dish is already a complete meal, but you can enhance it with:
🥢 Extra Veggies: Stir-fried bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas.
🍜 Noodles: Swap rice for rice noodles or lo mein for a fun twist.
🥒 Side Salad: A fresh cucumber salad helps balance the heat.
🍳 Egg on Top: A soft-boiled or fried egg makes it even richer!
🔄 Variations & Customizations
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Make it Keto-Friendly: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and pan-fry until crispy.
- Different Protein: Try this with shrimp, salmon, or beef for a new twist!
📌 Pro Tips for the Best Firecracker Chicken
✅ Cornstarch Coating is Key: It helps crisp up the chicken and allows the sauce to stick better.
✅ Use High Heat for Searing: This locks in the juices and gives a perfect golden crust.
✅ Simmer the Sauce: Let it thicken for 2-3 minutes so it coats the chicken beautifully.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches for even browning.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
This Firecracker Chicken Meal Prep Bowl is packed with protein, healthy carbs, and nutrients, making it a balanced meal to fuel your day!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Toss the chicken in cornstarch, spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so it browns properly.
Conclusion
Firecracker Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a must-try for spice lovers! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out and let me know what you think!