There’s something about a good stir fry that just hits the spot, and this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a total flavor explosion. With that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, it’s quick enough for any weeknight yet special enough to feel like a treat.

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

I fell in love with this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe because it’s bursting with bold flavors yet still light and fresh. It’s not one of those heavy takeout knockoffs–you actually feel good eating it, and it’s packed with colorful veggies and a sauce that has the perfect kick.

Quick to Make: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey and spicy sriracha come together beautifully with savory soy sauce and a hint of tang from apple cider vinegar.
Fresh and Crunchy Veggies: The bell peppers and sugar snap peas keep it colorful and add that satisfying crisp texture.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice, so it can be mild or fiery, depending on your mood.

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

Every ingredient in this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe plays a part in building that layered, addictive flavor. The chicken soaks up the spicy-sweet sauce, while the veggies add freshness and texture. When shopping, try to pick the freshest bell peppers and sugar snap peas for the best snap.

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

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and quick to cook, making them perfect for a stir fry that stays juicy.
Olive oil: Great for sautéing and adds subtle flavor; don’t use too much or it’ll get greasy.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They bring sweetness and vibrant color to balance the heat.
Sugar snap peas: Crisp and fresh, with a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly here.
Green onions: A fresh garnish adding mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone that gives rich umami to the sauce.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances out the fire from the sriracha.
Sriracha: The magic spicy ingredient – control how much you use depending on your heat tolerance.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and a slight tang to the sauce's base.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness, cutting through the richness with a gentle tang.
Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma that takes stir fries to the next level.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that savory depth and warmth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Amplify the heat; use sparingly if you’re sensitive.
Black pepper: A subtle heat that complements rather than overpowers.

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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 tweaking this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge and how spicy I'm feeling. Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce’s heat to suit your taste buds.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the chicken for shrimp, and it worked beautifully—just cook the shrimp until pink and toss it in at the end.
Veggie swaps: Try broccoli florets, snap beans, or baby corn to keep things interesting.
Mild version: Reduce or omit sriracha and red pepper flakes for a friendlier heat level.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option without compromising flavor.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When it's shimmering, add the chicken pieces in an even layer—not crowded—to help them brown nicely. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to see a light golden color on the chicken—this seals in juiciness and builds savory flavor. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Cozy Up the Veggies

In the same skillet, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sugar snap peas. Stir frequently and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a satisfying crunch. It’s important not to overcook here—you want them vibrant and fresh. This is where a good stir fry shines.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Firecracker Sauce

While your veggies are doing their thing, mix up the sauce in a small bowl. Combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk it all together. This sauce is the star of the show—it’s sweet, tangy, garlicky, and has just the right amount of heat. Set aside until you’re ready to toss it in.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Let It Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet with the veggies and pour the firecracker sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all the pieces. Crank the heat up just to bring that sauce to a rolling boil, then reduce to low and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and sticks beautifully to the chicken and veggies. Don’t rush this part—you want that glossy, clinging sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Serve your fiery stir fry piping hot over steamed rice, and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for that fresh bite and color contrast. That’s it—dinner is served!

Top Tip

From cooking this Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe many times, a few little tricks make all the difference. These tips helped me avoid mushy veggies and bland sauce, so hopefully they help you wield the perfect hot skillet with confidence.

Pat Dry the Chicken: Make sure the chicken pieces are as dry as possible before seasoning and cooking—this helps with browning and that delicious sear.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Crowding traps steam and prevents that nice golden crust.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with moderate heat to cook chicken thoroughly, then turn up the heat when adding sauce to quickly thicken it without drying out ingredients.
Timing is Key: Add veggies second so they stay crisp and colorful—overcooked vegetables lose that wonderful texture and bite.

How to Serve Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

firecracker chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about keeping it simple but fresh when garnishing. For this dish, sliced green onions add a beautiful color and a mild oniony crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce. Sometimes I also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and a little texture surprise.

Side Dishes

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry is fantastic served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. On the side, I like to serve some simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to keep things light and fresh. Occasionally, I’ll add some fried rice or even noodles for a carb twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive look, try serving this stir fry in individual lettuce cups or over a bed of quinoa for a different grain option. On special occasions, I’ve ladled it into pretty bowls and garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an extra zing that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it even tastier!

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, though I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the veggies if you can. Veggies tend to get a bit soft after thawing and reheating. When frozen properly in freezer-safe containers, it can last up to 2 months.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is in a skillet over medium heat—you can add a splash of water or broth if it feels dry to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose a bit of the crispness in the veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How spicy is the Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

The heat level can vary because you control the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, simply reduce or omit these ingredients, and you’ll still get great flavor without the burn.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef all work well. Just adjust the cooking times—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef might need a quick sear to stay tender.

What should I serve with Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry?

It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Fresh veggies or a light salad make perfect sides to balance the bold flavors.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and keep veggies crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s full of vibrant flavor, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you’ll try it out and find that perfect balance of sweet heat and fresh crunch that makes it so unforgettable. Trust me, once you’ve taken that first spicy-sweet bite, you’ll want to make it again and again.