Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is a bold and spicy dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and fiery sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving something with a spicy kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spicy – A delicious mix of brown sugar, buffalo sauce, and seasonings.
- Versatile – Serve over rice, in tacos, on sandwiches, or with steamed veggies.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your preference!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Buffalo sauce
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- Water
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker – Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Thicken the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for another 15 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve – Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix it with the sauce, and serve over rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version – Use less buffalo sauce or mix it with honey for a sweeter taste.
- Extra Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
- Crispy Firecracker Chicken – After slow cooking, broil the chicken in the oven for a crispy finish.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Different Protein – Try this recipe with pork or shrimp instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
How spicy is firecracker chicken?
It has a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less buffalo sauce and red pepper flakes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work great in this recipe.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
No, but searing the chicken beforehand can add extra flavor.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a 5-minute natural release before shredding.
What’s the best way to serve firecracker chicken?
It’s great over rice, in tacos, on sandwiches, or even in lettuce wraps.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Yes, but for a homemade version, mix hot sauce with butter and a little honey.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
Use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce by simmering it on the stovetop.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect meal prep option.
What side dishes pair well with firecracker chicken?
Steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes complement it well.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or add a little extra sauce when reheating.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is an easy, flavor-packed dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tacos, or as a sandwich filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a fiery, delicious meal with minimal effort!
Print
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken is a sweet, spicy, and tangy dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken in a bold, flavorful sauce. Made with buffalo sauce, brown sugar, and savory seasonings, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or on sandwiches for a versatile, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Buffalo Sauce: ½ cup
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
-
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
-
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
-
Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Stir into the sauce and let cook for 15 minutes until thickened.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix well, and serve over rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Notes
- Adjust Heat Level: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for more spice.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Make It Crispy: After slow cooking, broil the shredded chicken for a few minutes for a crispy texture.
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