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- 1 pound ground chicken - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch) - Sesame seeds for garnish To get the best results, measuring is key. Use a dry measuring cup for solids and a liquid measuring cup for liquids. For powders like cornstarch, use a spoon to scoop and level it off. Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Chop the bell pepper and green onions ahead of time. Mince the garlic and ginger, too. This way, you save time and keep the cooking process smooth. If you can’t find ground chicken, try ground turkey or beef as great alternatives. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat. If you're looking to make it gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. This small change keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté these for about one minute. You want to cook them just until they smell great. This step adds a deep flavor to your dish. The garlic and ginger should not brown too much. You want a light golden color. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to your skillet. Cook it until it turns white and is no longer pink. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break apart the chicken as it cooks. Make sure to stir it often for even cooking. Proper browning helps create a rich flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to mix in the fun flavors. Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and green onions. Save some green onions for garnish later. Then stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, honey, salt, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Mix all these ingredients well. Let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Now, you have a delicious Firecracker Ground Chicken! - Best practices for even cooking: Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. This helps cook the meat evenly. Break the chicken apart as it cooks. This step ensures that every piece gets cooked through. Stir often to avoid sticking. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add more chili garlic sauce. Start with one tablespoon and taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out. If it’s too spicy, balance it with honey or some extra soy sauce. - Ideal side dishes and accompaniments: Firecracker Ground Chicken pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. These sides help cool the heat and add crunch. - How to plate for presentation: Use a large platter for serving. Spoon the chicken in the center and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add chopped green onions on top for color. This makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. - Adding additional spices: To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of cumin or paprika. These spices add depth without overpowering. A dash of cayenne can also enhance the heat. - Balancing flavors with sweetness or acidity: If your dish feels too spicy, add a little honey. It brings sweetness that balances the heat. A splash of rice vinegar also adds a nice tang, brightening the overall flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the dish's flavor profile significantly, making it more aromatic and delicious. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili garlic sauce to suit your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch option is great. Mix it well with water before adding it to avoid lumps. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional green onions not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in this dish. Turkey works well as a leaner option. It has a mild taste that blends nicely with the spices. Ground beef is another choice. It gives a richer flavor and pairs great with the sauce. If you're looking for vegetarian options, try plant-based ground meat. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that mimic the texture of chicken. You can use these to make a dish everyone will enjoy. Want to make it sweeter? Add more honey for a delightful twist. You can also mix in some pineapple bits for a fruity kick. If you love heat, increase the chili garlic sauce. You can even add fresh chili peppers for an extra spicy punch. You can adjust the heat level based on your taste. A little more sauce can turn it into a fiery feast. If you prefer mild, use less chili sauce. Feel free to swap out the vegetables. Seasonal veggies add fresh color and flavor. Try zucchini, carrots, or snap peas for crunch. These swaps keep the dish exciting and delicious. You can also change the sauces. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory note. Hoisin sauce adds a unique flavor twist. Each option brings its own charm to the Firecracker Ground Chicken. To keep your Firecracker Ground Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Make sure to cool it down first. This dish stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any bad smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to freeze it, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot. Leftovers are great for meal prep! You can add the chicken to salads, wraps, or rice bowls. Mix it into a stir-fry for a quick dinner. It also makes a tasty topping for baked potatoes. For lunches, pack it with some veggies for a healthy meal on the go. To boost the heat, add more chili garlic sauce. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Jalapeños work well. Slice them thin and mix them in while cooking. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste. Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. First, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, cook it right away. Follow the same steps as with fresh chicken. Make sure it’s fully cooked to 165°F for safety. Firecracker Ground Chicken pairs well with rice or noodles. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a fragrant touch. You can also try it with stir-fried veggies. A simple side salad adds a nice crunch and freshness. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps for a light meal. To store leftovers, let them cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can stay good for up to three months. In this blog post, we explored creating flavorful Firecracker Ground Chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, measurement tips, and suitable substitutions. We walked through step-by-step cooking instructions to get the best taste. Plus, you discovered storage methods and meal prep ideas. Experimenting with this recipe opens doors to flavor and creativity in your kitchen. With these tips, you can make a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Firecracker Ground Chicken 🌶️💥

A spicy and flavorful ground chicken dish with bell peppers and green onions, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 cup water (if using cornstarch)
  • 1 unit sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautĂ©ing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, green onions (saving some for garnish), chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, honey, salt, pepper, and rice vinegar. Mix well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and the reserved green onions.

Notes

Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
Keyword ground chicken, quick meal, spicy