Panda Express Firecracker Chicken Recipe: A Lighter, Flavorful Stir-Fry

If you’re a fan of Panda Express but looking for a lighter option, their Firecracker Chicken is a must-try. Unlike many of their battered and deep-fried dishes, this stir-fry recipe showcases tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce that packs a flavorful punch. The secret ingredient? Fermented black beans, or douchi, add a unique depth of flavor to the dish.

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Why this recipe works

• Stir-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying it reduces the calorie content without sacrificing flavor
• The use of fermented black beans (douchi) adds a distinctive umami flavor that sets this dish apart
• Fresh vegetables provide a crisp texture and boost the nutritional value of the meal
• The combination of seasoned rice vinegar and rice cooking wine creates a balanced, savory sauce

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast – Provides a lean protein base for the stir-fry
• Salt and pepper – Season the chicken and enhance its natural flavor
• Cornstarch – Helps create a crisp exterior on the chicken and thickens the sauce
• Vegetable oil – Used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables
• Garlic – Adds a fragrant, aromatic flavor to the dish
• Red bell pepper – Provides a sweet, slightly bitter taste and vibrant color
• Onion – Contributes a savory, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture
• Dried chiles – Add a mild heat and subtle smokiness to the dish
• Douchi (fermented black beans) – Impart a unique, salty, and slightly pungent flavor
• Rice cooking wine – Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce
• Seasoned rice vinegar – Contributes a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the dish

Make amazing Firecracker Chicken at home

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet and stir-fry garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Add red bell pepper, onion, and dried chiles; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in douchi, rice cooking wine, and seasoned rice vinegar.
6. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Panda Express Firecracker Chicken can be put together in very little time. It is packed with fresh vegetables, so you will have a delicious meal you can prepare in no time.

Do You Love Panda Express? Check out these recipes

• Panda Express Chow Mein
• Panda Express Beef Broccoli
• Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons
• Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Panda Express String Bean Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Firecracker Chicken

Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are stir-fried in a savory sauce featuring fermented black beans, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Panda Express Recipes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon rice cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons seasoned wok oil or peanut oil
• 8 hot peppers you can use less if you like it less spicy
• 2 teaspoons garlic chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger chopped
• 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced yellow bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons douchi or 1 1/2 teaspoons black bean sauce

Instructions

• In a small bowl, make the finishing sauce by combining the soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, rice cooking wine, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside. 
• Heat your wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the seasoned wok oil or peanut oil. When the oil is hot, add the hot dried peppers and toss them around for about 30 seconds. Add in the chopped garlic and ginger to the wok. Saute briefly, add the sliced bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry until they are softened. Add the chicken and douchi and stir-fry until the chicken has browned. Pour in the finishing sauce and stir-fry until the sauce has thickened.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1233mg | Potassium: 976mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2130IU | Vitamin C: 250.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2.3mg