Name: Spicy 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

Sometimes, a dish just hits all the right spots — spicy, sweet, tangy, and utterly satisfying. That’s exactly why I adore this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s quick to make, packed with vibrant veggies, and has a sauce that really wakes up your taste buds.

The image shows a black pan filled with stir-fried dish made of many thin pieces of light brown cooked chicken, bright green snap peas, and strips of red and yellow bell peppers. The chicken pieces are mixed evenly with the vegetables, all coated in a glossy brown sauce. The snap peas are shiny and fresh looking, some cut diagonally, and the bell pepper strips add a pop of color around the pan. Small slices of green onion are scattered on top, adding a fresh green touch. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out clearly. 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 Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this spicy firecracker chicken stir fry: it came together in under 30 minutes, and the whole kitchen smelled incredible. It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep or cooking. Plus, the balance of heat and sweetness keeps you going back for more.

Bold yet balanced flavors: The combination of sriracha and honey creates the perfect spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every bite of chicken and veggies.
Quick and easy: You can whip this up on a busy weeknight without breaking a sweat or ordering takeout.
Fresh, colorful veggies: The crisp bell peppers and snap peas add great texture and keep things vibrant.
Adaptable and forgiving: Switch up the veggies or spice level to suit your taste, and it’ll still be a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir fry. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom is a sauce with a shiny brown color covering the pan, the middle layer has sliced pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown, slightly glossy texture, and the top layer includes green snap peas, bright red bell pepper strips, and yellow bell pepper strips scattered evenly throughout. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the stir fry on the left side. The pan is resting on a light gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is in how the simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. Each element adds something important — whether it’s texture, spice, or that umami kick that keeps you going back for seconds. When you shop, I recommend fresh produce and good quality sauces to really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a small mound of coarse sea salt and black peppercorns, a sliced red bell pepper, a sliced yellow bell pepper, a handful of fresh sugar snap peas, three green onions cut into rings, a small white bowl of glossy dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha, a small white bowl of thick deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with rich brown sesame oil, three fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, placed 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: Lean and tender, they soak up the sauce perfectly and cook quickly.
Olive oil: For a light, clean flavor when stir-frying your ingredients without overpowering them.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness, crunch, and brilliant color.
Sugar snap peas: Their natural snap and slight sweetness complement the spicy sauce beautifully.
Green onions: Adds a fresh, sharp bite when sprinkled on top as a garnish.
Soy sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness — it's a classic stir-fry base.
Honey: Brings balance by mellowing out the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
Sriracha: The star of the heat department — adjust this based on how fiery you want it.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and body to the sauce, rounding out the flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: A mild acidity to brighten up the sauce and cut through the richness.
Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way, giving that signature toasted aroma to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the savory depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For extra kick — good to have on hand if you like it hotter!
Black pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle earthiness.

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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 making this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe my own by swapping in whatever veggies I have on hand. It’s such a flexible dish, and you can dial the heat up or down without losing the flavor punch.

Variation: I’ve tossed in broccoli florets, snow peas, or even shredded carrots when I’m aiming for more veg — they all work great and add their own textures.
Milder version: If you prefer less heat, cut back on the sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes, or substitute with a sweet chili sauce to keep it tasty but gentle.
Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and marinate it briefly in soy sauce before cooking — it soaks up the firecracker sauce beautifully!
Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top right before serving to add a satisfying texture contrast.

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

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Just Right

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. It’s important the pan is hot before adding the chicken pieces, so they sear nicely instead of steam. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then spread the pieces out evenly. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides without overcrowding the pan. When they’re cooked through and golden, transfer them to a plate — this step locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 2: Bring On the Veggies

Wipe out the pan if needed and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sugar snap peas. Stir them frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a lovely crunch. This quick cook preserves their freshness and bright colors, which makes the dish visually appealing and texturally delightful.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Firecracker Sauce

While the veggies cook, 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 until fully combined so every drop of sauce has those bold, layered flavors that bring this dish to life.

Step 4: Combine, Coat, and Simmer

Once the veggies are tender, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Pour the firecracker sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and everything melds together in spicy, saucy harmony. This step is key — don’t rush it, as the sauce thickening is what makes it cling beautifully to every bite.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, I’ve found a few tricks that really help this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe shine every single time. Paying attention to your pan temperature and timing makes a huge difference—and the sauce needs a little TLC to reach that perfect sticky consistency.

Hot Pan, Quick Sear: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken so it browns instead of steams, which boosts flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken and veggies in batches if needed, so everything gets that beautiful caramelization without getting mushy.
Simmer the Sauce: Give the sauce a minute or two to bubble and thicken—this step helps it cling to the chicken and veggies instead of pooling on the plate.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Minced fresh garlic delivers a depth that garlic powder just can’t match—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

firecracker chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this stir fry with a scattering of sliced green onions—they add a fresh bite and a nice pop of color. Sometimes I also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor. A little wedge of lime on the side brightens things up if you’re feeling zesty!

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own when served over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of that spicy-sweet sauce. For something lighter, cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice works beautifully too. I’ve also paired it with simple stir-fried greens or fresh cucumber salad when I want an extra vegetable boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I sometimes serve this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls on a bed of sticky rice, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil and a chili slice or two for color and spice. It makes the meal feel a bit more festive and intentional.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, pack leftover firecracker chicken and veggies in an airtight container. I store mine in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify a bit overnight—bonus!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, and it reheats nicely, though I prefer fresh if I can. If freezing, make sure to cool it completely before sealing tightly in freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within a month to keep that vibrant firecracker kick.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works in a pinch but watch out to not overcook or dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free. Everything else stays the same for full flavor.

How spicy is this recipe really?

This recipe has a noticeable but balanced heat from sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce those amounts or omit the red pepper flakes entirely for a milder experience.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What sides pair best with this Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce. You could also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has become one of those go-to meals in my rotation when I want something flavorful, comforting, and totally fuss-free. Sharing it here feels like I’m inviting you into my kitchen—I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own and enjoy all those bold, fiery flavors. Give it a try on your next busy night; I promise it’s worth every bite!