This Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken brings all the tasty flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen! With crispy chicken and a sweet and spicy sauce, it’s a hit for everyone.
The sauce is the real star here—it has just the right amount of sweetness, with a kick that’ll make you smile. 🍗🥡 I like to serve it over rice for a perfect meal that feels fancy without fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a meat alternative, try using firm tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, any neutral oil works, like canola or peanut oil. If you want a healthier option, you could try air-frying the chicken, just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Pineapple Chunks: These add sweetness and a pop of flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute fresh pineapple or even peaches for a different twist!
Red Bell Pepper: This gives a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish. Feel free to swap it out for any color bell pepper or even snap peas for a unique flavor.
Cornstarch: It’s used to thicken the sauce, but if you’re out, you can use arrowroot powder or even regular flour, though the texture might vary slightly.
How Do I Get My Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy coating, follow these tips. The batter is key—letting it sit for a few minutes before frying helps it adhere better to the chicken. Also, be sure your oil is hot enough. If it’s not sizzling, the chicken will absorb oil and get greasy instead of crisp!
- Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C) for frying. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- After frying, let chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that delicious crunchy texture and tasty flavor in your Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- For the Sweet Fire Sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust based on your preferred heat level)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry to thicken sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious meal that’s ready quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the cold water while mixing until a smooth batter forms. This batter will give your chicken a nice crispy coating!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces in the prepared batter until they are well coated. This step is crucial for the perfect texture!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to fry the chicken but not so hot that it smokes.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully fry the battered chicken in batches, cooking each batch for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a separate pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and translucent. This will add delicious flavor to your dish!
6. Add Pineapple and Bell Pepper:
Toss in the diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks, and sauté for another 2 minutes until they are warmed and tender.
7. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure to adjust the heat level to your liking!
8. Combine the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables, bringing it to a simmer.
9. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. This gives your sauce that nice glossy finish!
10. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Every bite should be deliciously covered!
11. Serve:
Serve the Sweet Fire Chicken over a generous scoop of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor if desired!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken that’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly sweet! Perfect for a delightful meal any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great substitute. They will provide a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives. You can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the batter and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, although the texture may be less crispy.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Sweet Fire Chicken! Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat in a skillet or oven for best results.
