Firecracker Ground Chicken

This Firecracker Ground Chicken is a sweet and spicy weeknight dinner made with lean ground chicken and a quick homemade firecracker sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it is a family favorite that works perfectly for rice bowls, meal prep, or busy school nights.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American Asian Inspired

Keyword: firecracker chicken bowls, Firecracker Ground Chicken, healthy ground chicken recipe, quick ground chicken dinner, sweet spicy ground chicken

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 420kcal

Cost: $12

Equipment

1 Large skillet or wok A 12 inch skillet gives the chicken room to brown properly
1 Wooden spoon or spatula
1 Small mixing bowl
1 Whisk

Ingredients

For the Ground Chicken

1.5 pounds lean ground chicken 93 percent lean works best
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, optional
2 cups broccoli florets chopped small
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

For the Firecracker Sauce

0.33 cup buffalo sauce or sriracha for extra heat
0.25 cup brown sugar or low carb brown sugar substitute
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For Serving

4 cups cooked white rice or noodles cauliflower rice works for low carb
0.25 cup green onions sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground chicken. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Push chicken to one side. Add garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir to combine with the chicken.
Add broccoli and stir everything together. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
Pour in the firecracker sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the mixture.
Serve over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For a low carb version, serve over cauliflower rice and use a sugar substitute.
Ground turkey works well if you do not have ground chicken.
If cooking with kids, keep the heat mild and let them add extra sauce at the table if they like spice.
This dish is extra special when eaten together on a busy school night, even if homework is waiting on the counter

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