Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that fits into your busy schedule? This 20-minute Firecracker Ground Chicken recipe is a game-changer for meal prep enthusiasts, fitness-focused eaters, or anyone craving a low-carb, high-protein dish without sacrificing taste. Packed with bold flavors and versatile enough to pair with almost anything, this recipe delivers 22 grams of protein, 0 carbs, and just 185 calories per serving. Whether you’re whipping up lunches for the week or need a speedy dinner, this dish is as flexible as it is delicious.
The Basics: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The star here is a pound of ground chicken (92% lean is ideal, but leaner cuts or even ground turkey work too), browned in a splash of chili oil for a smoky, savory base. While the oil adds a hint of extra flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden sear, the real magic lies in the fiery-sweet sauce. Combining buffalo sauce for heat, cider or rice vinegar for tang, garlic powder, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and a zero-calorie brown sugar substitute like Swerve, this sauce strikes a balance between sticky, spicy, and subtly sweet. If you’re not into sugar alternatives, regular dark brown sugar works—just note the calorie count will shift slightly. The sauce simmers with the cooked chicken until thick and glossy, coating every bite in a crave-worthy glaze.
Reddit Reviews
- Reddit user Mr_Stonie said that he had to try the recipe because it looked yummy
- u/thelastbanana21 said they put too much hot sauce and made it extra spicy
- and u/ForYou101 said that the recipe looks delicious
Firecracker Ground Chicken
Ground chicken cooked in chili oil together with a spicy firecracker saucy
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
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the chili oil. Brown both sides of the chicken, about 3-4 minutes per side, before mincing and fully cooking.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk the remaining ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the sauce to the pan and cook until thick and syrupy.
- Serve with scallions and toasted sesame seeds over rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Each serving has 4 WW SmartPoints (blue).
- The nutrition facts do not include any nutrition info from the Swerve Brown Sugar. Erythritol has 0.2 calories per gram so the entire recipe has around 20 calories if you'd like to include it.
- With real brown sugar, each serving has 24g of carbs and 275 calories.
- Using 97/3 ground chicken adds 4g of protein and saves 5.5g of fat and 50 calories per serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 242Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 279mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 27g
Why The Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and adaptability. The cooking process is straightforward: brown the chicken, whisk the sauce, and let everything meld together in the pan. A pro tip? Don’t skip the oil, even if using lean meat. That little bit of fat ensures the chicken caramelizes nicely, adding depth you’d miss otherwise. As the sauce reduces, it clings to the meat, creating a texture that’s both saucy and slightly sticky—perfect for soaking into rice or clinging to veggies.
Customize Your Meal
The beauty of this dish is how easily it morphs to fit your cravings or dietary needs. Keep it low-carb by serving it over cauliflower rice, or mix half cauliflower and half regular rice to ease into the veggie-forward option. For a heartier meal, pair it with quinoa or toss it into a veggie stir-fry with zucchini noodles. Leftovers? Transform them into lettuce wraps for a crunchy, refreshing twist, or layer them into a grain bowl with roasted broccoli or snap peas. The recipe’s saucy texture also makes it ideal for stuffing into pitas, topping salads, or even as a filling for tacos.
Meal Prep Magic
This firecracker chicken shines as a meal prep staple. Cook a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got protein-packed lunches or dinners ready to go. The recipe scales easily, so doubling up ensures you’re covered for the week. Plus, the flavors intensify over time, making leftovers taste even better. If you’re bored of basic ground meat dishes, the bold sauce here—reminiscent of takeout-style glazes—keeps things exciting.
Swaps and Tweaks
Not a chicken fan? Ground turkey, pork, or plant-based alternatives work seamlessly. For a stickier, sweeter sauce, swap Swerve with honey or gochujang (a Korean chili paste), as seen in the author’s other recipes like spicy coconut ground chicken. And if you love the sauce, the creator suggests using it in firecracker chicken meatballs for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a testament to how a few smart ingredients and 20 minutes can yield a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. It’s a canvas for creativity—dress it up or down, keep it simple or load it with veggies. With its macro-friendly profile and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a dish that’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Whether you’re a meal prep pro or a weeknight warrior, this firecracker ground chicken promises a fuss-free, satisfying bite every time.
