1-First Step: Prepare the Chicken Start by cutting 1 1/4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season these pieces with salt and pepper to taste, which helps bring out the flavors right from the start. This initial step sets the base for the crispy coating we’ll add next.

2-Second Step: Coat the Chicken Grab a bowl and mix 1/3 cup cornstarch on a plate for dredging. Dip each seasoned chicken piece into 2 beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the cornstarch to coat evenly. This double-coating method gives the chicken that signature crunch without making it too heavy.

3-Third Step: Fry the Chicken Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot this ensures a crispy crust. Fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan, cooking each batch for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Once the chicken is fried, place all the pieces into the prepared dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes until well combined. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken in the dish.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the Chicken Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure every piece gets coated in the sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken nicely, turning the fried chicken into that sweet spicy chicken delight. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as the chicken should be tender and juicy inside. For more baking tips, check out our banana bread coffee cake recipe.

6-Final Step: Garnish and Serve Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor. Serve your firecracker chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s full of flavor and ready to enjoy.