Firecracker Chicken from Pei Wei features tender chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made with chili paste, garlic, and ginger, served with crisp vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant, flavorful dish with a fiery kick.
Equipments
- Wok
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or wok turner
- Saucepan (optional, for sauce preparation)
- Tongs
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Choosing fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures tender, juicy pieces that absorb the spicy, tangy sauce better. Opt for a chili paste like sambal oelek to achieve the authentic fiery kick integral to Firecracker Chicken. Using a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar balances the flavors with savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Fresh garlic and ginger provide a sharp, aromatic base that complements the vibrant crispness of red and green bell peppers. Mastering these ingredient choices will help you recreate Pei Wei's Firecracker Chicken copycat recipe with bold, well-rounded flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dice red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince garlic and ginger.
- Slice scallions and set aside for garnish.
- In a small bowl, mix chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and brown sugar to create the sauce.
- Heat wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add coated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and onion to the wok; stir-fry until just tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Return cooked chicken to the wok.
- Pour in the prepared sauce; toss to coat chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Transfer to a plate or serving dish.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Firecracker Chicken from Pei Wei copycat menu captures the bold, spicy flavors of the original dish with a homemade touch. If you don't have sambal oelek, you can substitute it with sriracha or any chili garlic sauce you have on hand to maintain the heat and flavor. When selecting chicken, breast works best for tenderness, but thigh meat can be used for juicier results. Use a wok or a large skillet to ensure even cooking and to properly toss the chicken in the sauce. Marinating the chicken briefly in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch can help achieve a crispy texture once cooked.
Tips
Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture when stir-fried. Use a hot wok and high heat to cook the chicken quickly, preventing it from becoming dry or tough. When adding garlic and ginger, stir-fry briefly until fragrant to avoid burning and bitterness. Keep your sauce ingredients measured and ready to combine before cooking, allowing for seamless incorporation and balanced flavor in your Firecracker Chicken.
Nutritions
Firecracker Chicken provides a balanced combination of lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breast and dietary fiber from crisp bell peppers and onions. The spicy sauce made with chili paste, garlic, and ginger contributes antioxidants while enhancing metabolism with natural compounds like capsaicin. Your dish contains moderate healthy fats from vegetable oil and sesame seeds, which support heart health. With a hint of sweetness from honey and brown sugar, it offers a flavorful yet nutrient-conscious meal option.
Storage
Store Firecracker Chicken in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety. Reheat thoroughly before serving to restore the dish's vibrant taste and ensure your meal stays delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless thighs to add more juiciness and rich flavor to the Firecracker Chicken. Using fresh bird's eye chili instead of chili paste offers a sharper heat and more authentic kick to the sauce. For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and omit hoisin sauce or use a gluten-free alternative. Stir-fry the vegetables separately to retain their crispness before combining with the sauced chicken for a better texture contrast.
Allergies
Firecracker Chicken contains common allergens including soy from soy sauce and sesame seeds. The dish also includes ingredients like garlic and ginger, which can cause sensitivities in some individuals. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, make sure to check each ingredient carefully before enjoying your meal.
Why this recipe?
Firecracker Chicken from Pei Wei is loved for its bold, spicy flavor profile combined with tender, crispy chicken pieces that deliver an exciting balance of heat and savory taste. The dish features a signature sauce made with fresh chili peppers, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, creating a complex and addictive flavor that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat at home allows you to customize the spice level to your preference while enjoying restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. Your cooking experience becomes more rewarding by mastering this vibrant, flavorful recipe that perfectly captures Pei Wei's renowned Firecracker Chicken essence.