This Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken is a fun twist on a popular dish! It features crispy chicken coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Yum!
You’ll love how simple it is to make this at home. I like to serve it over rice, and it always gets a thumbs up from family and friends. Who can resist that tasty sauce? 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts are a great choice too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using baked or air-fried chicken instead!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a nice vibrancy, but canned pineapple works well too. If you’re not a fan, consider swapping it for diced mango or even bell peppers for sweetness.
Chili Garlic Sauce: This ingredient brings the heat! If you prefer milder flavors, use sweet chili sauce or reduce the amount used. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a different kick.
Rice: White rice is classic, but you can serve this dish over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option!
How Do I Get the Chicken Crispy?
Frying the chicken to get that perfect crispy texture is all about the batter and oil temperature. Here’s what to do:
- Mix a thick batter with flour, cornstarch, and cold water. It should coat the chicken well.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the chicken will soak up oil. Too high, and it will burn.
- Fry the chicken in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it helps cook evenly and stay crispy!
- Let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying. This helps remove excess oil and keeps it crispy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken every time!
Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cooked white rice, for serving
For the Sweet Fire Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh pineapple)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust for spiciness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and frying the chicken, followed by around 10-15 minutes to make the sauce and combine everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Batter:
In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the cold water while whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick. This will create a lovely batter for the chicken.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to get that crispy texture!
3. Fry the Chicken:
Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well coated. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger (if using), and chili garlic sauce. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This is what gives the dish that sweet and tangy flavor!
6. Combine Everything:
Add the fried chicken, pineapple chunks, diced onion, and red bell pepper to the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and veggies in that delicious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the vegetables can soften a bit while still retaining their crunch.
7. Serve It Up:
Serve the Sweet Fire Chicken hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Enjoy this delightful mix of crispy chicken with that amazing sweet and spicy sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
Bon appétit! This dish is sure to impress with its balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors! 🍚🍍
FAQ for Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the red bell pepper and onion for other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like it spicy, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also serve it with some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and chop the chicken the night before. Just store the chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to fry it. This will save time and allow you to enjoy a quick meal during the week!
