Why We Love This Homemade Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Although I know fast service Asian restaurants include ingredients that I need to ditch to stick to a whole foods or paleo diet, Chinese takeout is so satisfying (and easy on busy nights) it makes me sad to let it go. Yet with just a few minor adjustments, many takeout favorites – like this fabulous homemade Firecracker Chicken recipe – can be tweaked to fit into a Whole 30 diet, and made in a hurry! The first time I saw firecracker chicken on a Chinese takeout menu I was a little confused. And even more confused after I tasted it…No ginger. No garlic. No sesame oil. No soy sauce or hoisin. Wait… Is this really Chinese? It’s true. The lightly-breaded glistening red Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry you find at most takeout joints is not a traditional Asian recipe. Instead, it’s the epitome of Americanized Chinese food.
What Does Firecracker Chicken Taste Like?
If General Tso’s Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken had a love child, it would be named Firecracker Chicken. The coated pieces of chicken are quickly fried in a skillet then doused in a spicy tangy sauce before being placed in the oven to bake. The sauce saturates the breading and thickens into an intensely sweet and spicy sticky glaze. If you happen to be on a paleo or whole foods diet… No worries! We’ve adjusted the gluten-free recipe to include only very clean ingredients. But yes, it’s still breaded and fried. Yes, it’s still sweetened. So while it is more healthy than some, firecracker chicken isn’t a dish you’d want to make week after week. Yet if you need a comfort food fix, this will do it, while not totally breaking your diet.
Ingredients You Need
Boneless chicken – I like to use boneless chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breast. Arrowroot powder – This takes the place of cornstarch in a traditional non-paleo recipe. Coconut flour – To create the base of the breading. Salt – For obvious reasons. Eggs – To expand the breading into a light crispy coating. Frank’s RedHot Sauce – One of the cleanest condiments you can buy, made with just aged cayenne peppers, salt, vinegar, and garlic powder. Honey – This takes the place of processed brown sugar in classic recipes. Apple cider vinegar – For tangy flavor. Crushed red pepper – To add a little more kick! Coconut oil – Or avocado oil for frying.
How To Make Firecracker Chicken
Get the Complete (Printable!) Paleo Firecracker Chicken Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Keep things clean and on the healthy side by serving warm, crispy and saucy paleo firecracker chicken with Cauliflower Rice or Broccoli Rice. For a heartier side try our fabulous Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe! If you aren’t counting carbs the chicken obviously is delicious with “regular” fluffy white rice or brown rice. The dish is also great with yummy veggie sides, like copycat Panda Express Super Greens or simple Steamed Broccoli, or Sweet and Spicy Roasted Broccolini. And no matter what dietary guidelines you are following you’re sure to love these Paleo Chinese Dumplings and homemade Egg Drop Soup recipes!
Looking for More At-Home Takeout Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Paleo Lemon Chicken Paleo Cashew Chicken Keto Thai Larb Rolls Skinny Chinese Orange Chicken Thai Red Curry Chicken Salad Low Carb Vietnamese Pho Better Than Panda Express Orange Chicken Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Breast
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