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5.0 from 24 votes

Panda Express Firecracker Chicken Copycat

Panda Express Firecracker Chicken features crispy chunks of white breast meat and fresh bell peppers, all coated in a sweet and hot black bean sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 719 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese , American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper diced into 1" strips or chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced into 1" strips
  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce or to taste
  • 6 pieces whole dry chili peppers
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
  • 2 teaspoons black beans washed
  • 1/2 white onion sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
For the Chicken:
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless - cut into 1" chunks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
  2. Pat dry the chicken pieces and lightly season with salt.
  3. Wait for the oil to start shimmering.
  4. Working one at a time, dredge the chicken pieces in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then dredge in flour again, pressing to coat.
  5. Add chicken to the skillet, and cook until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes on each side. Make sure to work in batches and do NOT overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate once done. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. Discard the vegetable oil and wipe clean the skillet. Place it back over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil.
  7. Once shimmering, add bell peppers, chili peppers, and onion, cook stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Add ginger, garlic, and black beans. Stir to combine, cook for 30 seconds.
  9. Stir in the fried chicken and Thai sweet chili sauce, for about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Mix Sauce ingredients in a bowl and add to the pan.
  11. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds.
  13. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 719kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 56g (112%) Fat 45g (69%) Saturated Fat 26g (130%) Cholesterol 227mg (76%) Sodium 1248mg (52%) Potassium 1134mg (32%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 19g (38%) Vitamin A 1366IU (27%) Vitamin C 98mg (109%) Calcium 75mg (8%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 719

% Daily Value*

Calories 719kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 56g 112%
Fat 45g 69%
Saturated Fat 26g 130%
Cholesterol 227mg 76%
Sodium 1248mg 52%
Potassium 1134mg 24%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 19g 38%
Vitamin A 1366IU 27%
Vitamin C 98mg 109%
Calcium 75mg 8%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.