Baked Firecracker Chicken
This easy Baked Firecracker Chicken delivers the perfect sweet and spicy takeout flavor at home! Juicy chicken is seared, coated in a sticky homemade glaze, and baked to caramelized perfection. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a healthier, crowd pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce like Frank's RedHot
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil like avocado or canola
Instructions
- Make Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat (it will thicken more as it cools).
- Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken for 1-2 minutes per side until golden (not cooked through).
- Bake: Transfer chicken to prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.
- Baste & Finish: Remove from oven. Brush each breast generously with sauce. Return to oven and bake for 11-15 more minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce.