Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is a fantastic choice if you love spicy food but don’t have a lot of time to cook. With just a few simple ingredients, you can let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that’s packed with bold flavors. The chicken comes out perfectly tender, and the creamy finish balances the heat perfectly. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water, whisked together
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chopped chicken breast into the slow cooker.
2. Add the sauce ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, hot sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Thicken the sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, whisk the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream to the slow cooker and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to become rich and creamy.
6. Serve: Serve the firecracker chicken over rice, noodles, or as a topping for a salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high in the slow cooker

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Extra Heat: Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Sweet and Spicy: Increase the amount of brown sugar for a sweeter flavor to balance the heat.
• Add Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. They will add extra flavor and tenderness due to their higher fat content.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Yes, you can use any hot sauce of your choice, but Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its balance of heat and flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch and water slurry or cook the sauce uncovered for a bit longer after adding the cream.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes or substitute the hot sauce with a milder one.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the firecracker chicken for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cook time will need to be increased by about 30 minutes on low, or 15 minutes on high.

Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water as a substitute for chicken broth, but using chicken broth will enhance the flavor.

How do I serve firecracker chicken?

Firecracker chicken is great served over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or on a sandwich.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the heat and the taste without a lot of effort. The tender chicken is enveloped in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce that makes it perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or your favorite side. Whether you’re craving something spicy or just need a quick, easy dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds with minimal fuss!

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