Description

This Panda Express Firecracker Chicken Copycat boasts irresistible flavors, simple prep, and key ingredients like chicken and sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick and delightful dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 red bell pepper cut into 1" strips or chunks
1 yellow bell pepper sliced into 1" strips
1/2 cup thai sweet chili sauce or to taste
6 pieces whole dry chili peppers or less
1 teaspoon minced ginger
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
2 teaspoons black beans washed
1/2 white onion sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
3 green onions thinly sliced
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless – cut into 1″ chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs beaten
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water

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Instructions

Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Pat the chicken pieces dry and lightly season them with salt.
Wait for the oil to shimmer.
Coat the chicken pieces in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and dredge in flour again, pressing for even coverage.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels and repeat with remaining chicken.
Remove the vegetable oil and clean the skillet. Return it to medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
When the sesame oil is shimmering, add bell peppers, chili peppers, and onion. Cook while stirring occasionally until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Add ginger, garlic, and black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the fried chicken and Thai sweet chili sauce, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and add to the skillet.
Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve maximum crispiness.
Feel free to adjust the number of dry chili peppers to your heat preference.
Garnishing with sesame seeds can enhance presentation and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 470
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg