Description
Enjoy a homemade version of Sweet Fire Chicken that’s even better than takeout! This easy, crispy chicken dish is coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce made with pineapple, sweet chili, and bell peppers. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In one bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and coat again in the flour mixture for an extra crispy texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds.
- Add the bell pepper and pineapple chunks, cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, bringing to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
- Healthier Version: Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Different Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or pork.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breading and use grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: asian
Keywords: Sweet Fire Chicken, crispy chicken, better than takeout, sweet and spicy, Asian chicken recipe