Dinner

Firecracker Ground Chicken Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

This Firecracker Ground Chicken is a deliciously spicy and sweet dish that packs a flavorful punch. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or cauliflower rice. The combination of chili oil and buffalo sauce gives it a delightful kick that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled half with fluffy white rice, each grain well-separated, and the other half with a saucy ground meat mixture that is reddish-brown with a slightly chunky texture. The meat layer is topped with scattered white and black sesame seeds and small, bright green sliced scallions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Chicken (92/8)
1/2 Tbsp (8g) Chili Oil
1/2 C (96g) Swerve Brown Sugar
1/4 C (60g) Buffalo Sauce
2 Tbsp (30g) Cider or Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chili oil. Brown both sides of the chicken patties for about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, mince the chicken in the pan and cook it through completely.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the brown sugar, buffalo sauce, vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce into the pan. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy, coating the chicken well.
Step 4: Serve the firecracker chicken topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. It goes perfectly over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork for a different taste and texture.
Use honey instead of Swerve brown sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Add chopped bell peppers or onions during cooking for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover firecracker ground chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl shows two main layers: on one side, there is a layer of cooked white rice with soft, fluffy grains, and on the other side, there is a layer of cooked ground meat in a rich, reddish-orange sauce, speckled with black spots and garnished with chopped green onions and white and black sesame seeds on top. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface next to another similar bowl with the same food and a fork with a dark handle lies nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free buffalo sauce. Most are, but always check the label to be sure.

What can I serve with firecracker ground chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.