Copycat Panda Express Firecracker Chicken
Recreate the bold flavors of Panda Express with this easy Firecracker Chicken recipe, featuring crispy chicken and a sweet-spicy sauce.
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet
- Wok
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce or to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" chunks
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
- 2 teaspoons black beans washed
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced into 1" strips
- 1 red bell pepper diced into 1" strips
- 1 white onion sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. (Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the chicken from sticking.)
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and lightly season with salt. (This step helps to achieve that crispy texture.)
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then dredge in flour again, pressing to coat well.
- Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Discard the used vegetable oil and wipe the skillet clean. Return it to medium-high heat and add the sesame oil.
- Once the sesame oil is shimmering, add the diced bell peppers, dry chili peppers, and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced ginger, garlic, and black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the fried chicken and pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: rice wine, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water. Mix well and add to the pan.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, alongside rice.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more crushed red chili pepper to taste. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.