Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2/3 cup franks buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (i use low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (may sub white vinegar)
- Carbohydrate 171.067087763692 g
- Cholesterol 136.88 mg
- Fat 29.9339708154654 g
- Fiber 0.123043688683468 g
- Protein 54.774735955823 g
- Saturated Fat 4.27611644401635 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (438g)
- Sodium 200.57493698247 mg
- Sugar 170.944044075009 g
- Trans Fat 2.07533500262883 g
- Calories 1164 calories
Step-by-step
- Drizzle a large skillet with oil and preheat to medium-high.
- Add chicken pieces and ½ cup corn starch to a large resealable bag.
- Seal and shake to coat chicken.
- Add chicken to pan and saute 1-2 minutes, just long enough to brown the very outside of the chicken, it won't be fully cooked at this point.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add chicken.
- In a medium bowl whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Pour over chicken and stir to distribute.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with cooked rice.
- For extra heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's where my trusty slow cooker comes in. It's my secret weapon for creating flavorful, satisfying dinners with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken recipe is a perfect example – bursting with flavor and ready when I am, even after a long day.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a delicious experience for my family. The sweet and spicy sauce is addictive, and the tender chicken falls right off the bone. I love that I can prep it in the morning and come home to a complete meal, ready to be served with a simple side of rice. It’s truly a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and tired. The kids, even my picky eaters, gobble this up. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, but it’s also perfect for a casual get-together with friends; it's always a conversation starter!
What I love about this recipe:
- Simplicity: Minimal prep work is required. Just a few minutes of browning the chicken and whisking the sauce are all it takes to get this delicious meal started.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and spicy buffalo sauce creates a flavor explosion that is incredibly satisfying.
- Versatility: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a more complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it in the morning and let it simmer all day, or even throw it in the slow cooker the night before for a truly effortless dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. For a milder dish, use less buffalo sauce or even substitute some with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Chicken: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and less prone to drying out in the slow cooker.
- Vegetables: Add some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a heartier meal.
- Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious meals that bring family together. So, next time you're looking for a weeknight winner that won't leave you stuck in the kitchen for hours, give this recipe a try. You and your family will thank me for it! Enjoy!
