Savory Sweet Fire Chicken Delight
Craving the irresistible flavors of Sweet Fire Chicken but want to whip it up at home without breaking the bank? This recipe is your answer! Combining tender chicken strips with a zesty glaze and a hint of sweetness, this dish mimics the beloved restaurant classic while being easy on your wallet. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a gathering, the delightful crunch of the chicken pairs wonderfully with a sticky sauce bursting with flavor. Plus, quick tips for freezing chicken and frying techniques make this a foolproof dinner option. Enjoy this taste of comfort in the comfort of your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
4 (Cut into strips)
Cornstarch
1 cup (More may be needed for coating)
Flour
1 cup (More may be needed for coating)
Eggs
3 (Beaten well)
Vegetable Oil
As needed (For frying)
Red Jalapeños
2 (Chopped fine)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Chopped)
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup
Water
3/4 cup
White Vinegar
1/4 cup
Salt
1 pinch
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Water
3 tablespoons
Pineapple Chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Instructions
1
To prepare the chicken, place chicken breasts in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up slightly. This will make slicing easier.
2
Once chilled, cut the chicken breasts into even strips for uniform cooking.
3
In a large zip-top bag, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken strips into the bag and shake to coat evenly.
4
Next, dip each floured chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
5
Finally, dip the chicken into the cornstarch. For this step, use a separate zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and coat the strips one-third at a time for better coverage, then place them on a wire rack.
6
In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil for frying over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
7
Fry the chicken for approximately 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn a crispy golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
8
For the sauce, combine the chopped jalapeños, garlic, granulated sugar, water, white vinegar in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
9
Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
10
In a separate small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce until it thickens slightly.
11
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the drained pineapple chunks.
12
In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the fried chicken strips to the sauce and stir until the chicken is well coated and heated through, about 5 minutes.
13
Serve immediately over a bed of white rice or alone on a plate. Enjoy your homemade Sweet Fire Chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sweet Fire Chicken Delight?
It is a homemade version of a restaurant classic that combines tender chicken strips with a zesty, sweet glaze and pineapple chunks.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is a copycat recipe inspired by the Sweet Fire Chicken found at Panda Express.
How long should I freeze the chicken before slicing?
You should place the chicken breasts in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
Why is the chicken put in the freezer before cooking?
Slightly freezing the chicken makes it firmer, which allows for easier and more uniform slicing into strips.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken breasts should be cut into even strips to ensure uniform cooking.
What is the first step in coating the chicken?
The first step is to shake the chicken strips in a large zip-top bag containing flour and a pinch of salt.
What follows the flour coating?
After the flour, each chicken strip should be dipped into beaten eggs until well-coated.
What is the final coating for the chicken?
The final coating is cornstarch, applied after the egg wash for a crispy texture.
What is the best way to apply the cornstarch?
It is best to coat the strips one-third at a time in a separate bag or shallow dish for better coverage.
How should the chicken be fried?
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the strips without overcrowding the pan.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken should be fried for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
How should I drain the chicken after frying?
Transfer the chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil while maintaining its crunch.
How do I make the sauce smooth?
Combine jalapeños, garlic, sugar, water, and white vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The blended sauce mixture should simmer in a saucepan for about 5 minutes.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by whisking in a slurry made of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water.
When do I add the pineapple chunks?
Stir in the drained pineapple chunks after removing the thickened sauce from the heat.
What size can of pineapple is needed?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks.
How do I finish the dish?
Add the fried chicken to the sauce in a skillet and stir for about 5 minutes until well coated and heated through.
What is the recommended way to serve this chicken?
It is best served immediately, either alone or over a bed of white rice.
How many chicken breasts are required?
This recipe requires 4 chicken breasts.
How many eggs are used in the coating process?
The recipe uses 3 eggs, beaten well.
What kind of peppers are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 red jalapeños, chopped fine.
How much sugar is in the glaze?
The sauce includes 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of vinegar is used for the zesty flavor?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is described as having a delightful crunch paired with a sticky, flavorful sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests.
How much cornstarch is needed for the initial coating?
The recipe suggests starting with 1 cup of cornstarch for the coating.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 garlic cloves, chopped.
Can I use the same skillet for the whole process?
Yes, you can use the same large skillet for frying the chicken and for the final step of combining it with the sauce.