Firecracker Chicken
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Apr 25, 2025 
Better than takeout, this baked paleo-friendly Firecracker Chicken recipe is coated in an ultra-crispy crust and smothered in a sticky sweet and spicy glaze that hits all the right notes.
This Firecracker Chicken Recipe is Dynamite!
Chinese takeout is hard to resist. It’s quick, delicious, and it hits the spot on busy nights. But with a few easy swaps, favorites like this homemade Firecracker Chicken can fit a Whole30 or paleo lifestyle, without sacrificing any flavors!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
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.
Why You’ll Love This Firecracker Chicken
- Better Than Takeout – One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s just as delicious as the takeout version, but it’s so much better for you since you’re making it at home!
- Great for Meal Prep – You can make this firecracker chicken in big batches and enjoy it all week long!
- Flavor Explosion – With a crispy exterior and soft, juicy inside, this chicken dish is loaded with flavors from the sweet honey and tangy vinegar to bold and spicy hot sauce.
If you need a comfort food fix, this will do it, while not totally breaking your diet.
Ingredients and Tips
- 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 – You’ll need coconut flour to create the base of the breading.
- Eggs – Use eggs at room temperature to expand the breading into a light crispy coating.
- Frank’s RedHot Sauce – One of the cleanest condiments you can buy, this hot sauce is made with just aged cayenne peppers, salt, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Honey – This takes the place of processed brown sugar in classic takeout recipes.
- Crushed red pepper – I love to add a generous sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
- Coconut oil – To fry up that chicken, use either coconut oil or avocado oil.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Pineapple – Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the sauce before baking for a burst of sweet and tropical flavors.
- Cashews – Sprinkle in some roasted cashews at the end for a crunchy finish.
- Cauliflower – For a vegetarian version of this dish, swap the chicken with cauliflower florets.
- Air Fryer – Make this Firecracker Chicken in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
How To Make Firecracker Chicken
This Firecracker Chicken recipe delivers serious bold flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s actually really simple to make at home and even better than takeout!
Find the full Firecracker Chicken recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Place leftover Firecracker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Leftovers – To freeze, store the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that when you thaw the chicken, the coating might be a bit soggy.
- Reheating Leftovers – You can reheat this chicken dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but maple syrup has a much stronger flavor and may take away from the overall appeal.
No. Firecracker chicken is paleo and gluten-free, but not low carb. Without the addition of the honey, or another form a sweetener, it would not have the same sticky-sweet quality.
No. You could skip the breading altogether, brown the chicken, and bake it in the sauce. It will still taste great, yet it won’t have the same dazzling comforting quality.
Of course! Use an equal amount of cornstarch in place of the arrowroot and coconut flour. You can also swap the honey for an equal amount of brown sugar, plus 2 tablespoons water. Then use any kind of fry oil you like. However I must say, this cleaner recipe is just as delicious as the naughtier version.
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Firecracker Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup arrowroot powder
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- coconut oil or avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Set out a 3-quart baking dish. Pour in the hot sauce, honey, vinegar, crushed red pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to mix.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 3/4 inch chunks. Pour arrowroot powder, coconut flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a gallon zip bag. Add the chicken, zip the bag, and shake to thoroughly coat the chicken.
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl. Whisk well. Then set a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1/4 inch oil. Set a plate near the stove lined with paper towels.
- Working in small batches, add a handful of the chicken to the eggs. Toss, shake off the extra egg, and gently place each piece of chicken in the hot oil. Fry for one minute, flip the chicken with tongs, and fry one more minute.
- Move the chicken to the holding plate to drain and repeat in several more small batches.
- Once all the chicken is fried, place it in the baking dish with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Toss the chicken and bake another 10 minutes. Toss one more time and bake another 10 minutes, thirty minutes total.
- The sauce should be thick and sticky. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Place leftover Firecracker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Leftovers – To freeze, store the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that when you thaw the chicken, the coating might be a bit soggy.
- Reheating Leftovers – You can reheat this chicken dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
This recipe is absolutely delicious!!!! It’s worth all the prep time.
This recipe looks delish! However, NOT Whole30 compliant. Honey is not allowed.
This looks delicious but honey is not whole30 compliant.
I rarely leave reviews but I just had to for this recipe! I started the paleo diet about a month ago and have been on the hunt for yummy recipes. This chicken was incredible and super easy to make!
So glad I found this. Thank you!!
Oh these look delicious, bet they are great for parties too