Name: Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup sugar snap peas; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

There’s nothing quite like that bold, spicy kick paired with sweet and savory flavors in this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Every time I make it, the vibrant colors and zesty sauce turn dinner into a little celebration right at my kitchen table.

This is a close-up of a black pan filled with stir-fried pieces of cooked light brown chicken mixed with bright green snap peas, thin slices of red and yellow bell peppers, and green onion pieces. The chicken pieces have a slightly shiny, cooked texture and are mixed throughout the vibrant green vegetables. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something fast but packed with flavor. It’s just that perfect balance of spicy heat tempered by honey's sweetness, with fresh crunch from the veggies — all ready in under 30 minutes!

Quick and Easy: It comes together fast, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying and homemade.
Colorful & Nutritious: Bright bell peppers and snap peas add not only a pop of color but also a fresh, healthy crunch.
Perfect Heat Level: The sriracha and red pepper flakes bring a lively kick that you can adjust to your liking, making it great for spice lovers.
Versatile and Customizable: You can swap veggies or adjust sauce ingredients to suit your pantry and tastes.

The image shows a black pan filled with stir-fried slices of cooked light brown chicken mix, bright green sugar snap peas, and thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers. The chicken pieces are glossy and scattered evenly throughout the pan, mixed with crisp vegetables that add color contrast. A wooden spoon with some sauce on it is resting inside the pan on the left side. The pan sits on a cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly — the tender chicken, crisp veggies, and that sticky, spicy-sweet sauce. Here’s a quick look at why each one shines:

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a whole red bell pepper sliced, a whole yellow bell pepper sliced, a small handful of fresh sugar snap peas, three fresh green onions sliced, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl of pure soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha, a small white bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of pale apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of dark sesame oil, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of black pepper, two tablespoons of golden olive oil in a small white bowl, with a small pinch of coarse salt crystals in a white bowl, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for an easy stir fry.
Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps you get a nice sear on the chicken and veggies without overwhelming the flavors.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Sweet, crunchy, and colorful — they brighten up the dish and add great texture.
Sugar snap peas: Their fresh snap complements the softness of the chicken and peppers beautifully.
Green onions: Added at the end for a mild onion bite and fresh pop of green.
Soy sauce: The salty umami base of the sauce.
Honey: Balances out the heat with sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a nice glaze.
Sriracha: Brings that “firecracker” spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle depth and richness to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a mild tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding that toasty, nutty flavor essential to Asian-inspired dishes.
Garlic: Must-have aromatic that builds the foundation for the sauce’s flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper: Boost the heat and add complexity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is. Once you have the basics down, it’s easy to swap in your favorite veggies or tweak the sauce for less heat or more tang — whatever fits your mood or what’s in your kitchen.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thigh meat because it stays juicy and tender, especially if I’m short on time for marinating.
Vegetable swaps: Broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots work beautifully if you want to mix up the textures.
Heat adjustment: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the sriracha and red pepper flakes, or add a splash more honey to balance the heat without sacrificing flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the sauce rich but allergy-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot (you want it to shimmer), add your seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a lovely golden crust and is cooked through. Take your time here—good browning lifts the flavor sky-high. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender-Crisp

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your hot skillet, then toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers plus the sugar snap peas. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch—about 4 to 5 minutes. The bright colors here should pop and the kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Firecracker Sauce

While your veggies are sizzling, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk it well until smooth. This sauce is where the magic happens—balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy all at once.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Let It Bubble

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies, pour your firecracker sauce over everything, and toss to coat. Turn the heat up just enough to bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into that irresistible glaze that sticks to every bite—usually 2 to 3 minutes. That’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish!

Spoon the stir fry over steamed rice (I love jasmine for that fragrant touch), sprinkle with sliced green onions for freshness, and dig in!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, a few little tweaks go a long way. Getting that perfect balance of textures and flavor really makes it shine.

Don’t crowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming.
Prep all ingredients first: Stir fry moves quickly, so have your sauce and vegetables ready before you start cooking.
Adjust the heat gradually: Start with less sriracha and add more after tasting if you want extra fire — it’s easier to add heat than take it away.
Let the sauce thicken well: A simmer a minute or two longer transforms it from thin liquid into a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

firecracker chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping my Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry with extra sliced green onions and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nuttiness. A few fresh cilantro leaves can add a bright herbaceous note if you like that flavor pairing.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or even lettuce wraps. A simple cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies also complement the spicy sauce nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this firecracker chicken over a bed of crisp Asian slaw instead of rice or in warm flour tortillas for a fusion-style taco. Adding chopped peanuts or crushed cashews on top for extra texture is always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. Just cool the stir fry and pack it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

To keep the chicken tender and the veggies crisp-ish, I reheat leftovers over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stirring frequently helps warm everything evenly without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work really well because they’re a bit more tender and juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until no longer pink inside.

How spicy is this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

It’s got a nice kick without being overpowering. You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your taste — start small if you’re sensitive to spice!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep all your veggies and make the sauce ahead to save time. Since stir fry cooks quickly, assembling and cooking just before serving ensures freshness and best texture.

What can I serve with Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry?

It’s fantastic over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even in lettuce wraps. Fresh crunchy salads or quick pickles also complement the bold flavors nicely. Get creative with what you have!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation—it’s bright, flavorful, and hits all the notes I want from dinner without a long time in the kitchen. Give it a try and tweak it to your own taste—you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!