One thing I look forward to every Chinese New Year is the Fire Cracker Chicken that shows up at Panda Express. A few year’s back, I decided I couldn’t go without it so I recreated my healthy Weight Watchers Version one of my favorite Chinese Foods. I had to bring back Fire Cracker Chicken for this week’s Flash Back Friday. Enjoy all!
Happy Biggest Loser day all! I think my TV watching is “broken”. Each week I look forward to creating a delicious new recipe like this Sweet & Spicy Fire Cracker Chicken and sitting down to indulge in one of my favorite shows. I am not sure why but I am not IN LOVE with any of the shows this season.
I usually can get into the great scandal on the Bachelor/ette and I ALWAYS LOVE Biggest Loser. As many times as I have tried watching The Bachelor, it isn’t doing it for me this season. I STILL LOVE the Purple Girls on The Biggest Loser but I kind of find this season boring.
I am sure some would say not being a “couch potato” is a good thing but I kinda miss having a few shows I look forward to and LOVE watching each week.
This morning I declared it a DIRTY LATTE DAY! I was even nice and brought The Husband his drink before I headed into work since I know he is still sick. (4 points+)
One of my favorite things to go with my “chocolate milk” is a delicious 100% Whole Wheat Banana Muffin (4 points+). I rounded out my meal with a banana.
Before heading out for my lunchtime walk, I snacked on some cashews to tame my hunger. There are actually 5 hours from when I eat breakfast and lunch so I usually plan for a mid morning snack. Sometimes I have it and sometimes I don’t.
1/2 a Trader Joe’s snack pack is (3 points+)
I absolutely LOVE the Fire Cracker Chicken at Panda Express and get it every year when it comes around for Chinese New Year. I have been wanting to make this recipe ever since I saw that they had it online.
The only thing is that their recipe online didn’t include all the ingredients listed in the instructions and I think needed to have some changes to match the actual flavor. Below is my take on their recipe.
FIRE CRACKER CHICKEN! (print it!)
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz marinated chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger (fresh is better if you have it)
- 2 tsp Crushed Red Chili Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Black Beans Sauce
- 1 tsp Mirin ~ Sweet Japanese Cooking Wine
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (hot chili sauce), optional if you like more heat
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch Mix (equal parts cornstarch powder and water)
- 2 scallions, diced, as an optional topper for color
MARINADE
- 12 oz Chicken Breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Egg White
- 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Stir together vegetable oil, egg white, cornstarch and salt in a mixing bowl. Add chicken, and mix, making sure to coat all of the chicken with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to marinate. PREP EVERYTHING ELSE while the meat marinates because the recipe goes together fast.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok (or non-stick skillet) over a high flame. Add marinated chicken and stir quickly, separating the meat and then cook for approximately 1 minute. Remove cooked chicken and drain well.
3. Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, chili pepper and black beans into the heated skillet. Stir for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked chicken, cooking wine, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sriracha and cornstarch mix with water. Stir until the sauce boils and thickens. Add sesame oil and continue stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and cook through, about 3-4 minutes. Place finished product on a dish and serve with brown rice.
Makes 4, 1 cup servings
Nutritional information per serving using calorie count.com, 6 points+/smartpoints
STEP-BY-STEP
Marinate your chicken…I have to admit, it doesn’t look pretty but this really keeps the chicken tender.
While the chicken marinates, prep all your ingredients because the cooking process takes minutes.
Chop your veggies.
Measure your sauces. I added the Teriyaki because I felt it needed to sweeter and the sriracha because I wanted it to be hotter. Next time I might use Thai Sweet Chili Sauce.
Heat your vegetable in a wok over medium high heat. You want the pan hot to cook things quickly. Add your chicken and cook for about 1 minute.
Remove your chicken and add your veggies. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Add your chicken back along with your sauce.
Add the sesame oil and cook 3-4 minutes until the chicken is done and everything is mixed.
Serve over 1/2 cup brown rice (2 points+) and top with scallions. Dig in and enjoy! I actually LOVED the chicken and think it comes pretty close to their recipe. I think next go round, I’d double the sauce to have more sauce for my rice.
I brought the “chicken” and my co-worker brought the salad 
TJ’s Organic Broccoli Slaw + Carrots + 1 Tbsp TJ’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette + crushed red pepper flakes = 1 HUGE bowl for 1 point+. I could honestly eat the entire bag I think.
The Husband had to work late today and I was STARVING when I got home. I know I probably should’ve had yogurt or fruit, but, I was craving that sourdough bread and butter. I know now why I don’t keep this bread in the house (4 points+)
I had really high hopes for dinner as something easy and delicious. I LOVED the Southwestern Stuffed Chicken Breasts that I tried before at Trader Joe’s so it only seemed fitting that I try the Pork Chops with Apple Almond Stuffing.
5 points+ per chop ~ not too bad.
You simply brown them in a bad then bake them at 400 for 25 minutes.
I honestly didn’t LOVE these at all. the pork chop was tasting but the filling was very bland. You couldn’t taste the apples or almonds and it honestly lacked seasoning.
I only had half a chop and gave the rest to The Husband. (3 points+)
Plus a few bites of leftover Super Cheesy LF Cauliflower Mac n Cheese. (3 points+)
My mouth wanted something else since it wasn’t happy with dinner. So, I had 2 more of these Peanut Butter Goodies. I know I’ve said it before, but, I LOVE these cookies! (4 points+)
NEW OVER AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
* Super Cheese 1 Point+ Squash!
* Last chance to enter to WIN the Green Lite Bites Cookbook! The winner is drawn tomorrow!
Win Annie’s new 1 point+ dressings ~ GO HERE to ENTER NOW!
Q’s
Do you have any MUST SEE TV shows that you LOVE watching each week?
As you all know, I LOVE just about anything on the Food Network. Usually my “guilty pleasure” is The Bachelor/ette and my REAL show is Biggest Loser. But, I am sort of feeling like I need some NEW SHOWS in my life so share the ones you LOVE.
Night all!
OMG! I could go on and on about the shows I watch! House, Hawaii 5-0, Criminal Minds, CSI (the Vegas one only), Mike and Molly, Modern Family, How I met your mother….
and those PB cookies. THEY ARE THE DEVIL! They are almost what I call “allergic” which is what I’ve been telling all the girl scouts with their cookies….cause when I eat ’em I swell up (fat) 🙂
This looks fabulous! I think I’m gonna put that on my menu for next week.
I have several that I love to watch each week: Biggest Loser, Top Chef, Survivor (just started again), Amazing Race (also just started again), and even a few more. We usually set the DVR and watch later at night or within a day or two after they air.
My favorite show of all time is Friday Night Lights. Texas forever!
Ok, i must try this firecracker chicken, if its still available at our mall(i am never up at the food court,but must stop) then get some chicken to make it, as usually 99% of what you post I love also.
LOL tv shows. well I multitask, so even though I wATCH allot of tv, I am either knitting, or dvr to cut out commercials,.
OK, House, criminal minds, office, big bang theory, most of the housewives, ,what not to wear, toddlers and tiaras( those stage fathers are HIlARIOUS) restaurant impossible, always good eats and glee(mainly to listen to the music)
Have your checked out Heavy on A&E? Think biggest loser but they focus on two people for the hour and they help them for six months. I am digging it more then biggest loser because it really gets more into their personal issues and struggles. It is on Monday nights.
I had the same TV problem the last couple years. None of my favorite shows could keep my attention. I didn’t watch Biggest Loser in the fall because I felt I
had seen the same thing over and over.
My only must see shows this year are on Wednesdays, The Middle, Modern Family and Hot in Clevland. Any other night I find myself reading.
I love that you were able to recreate your favorite chicken from PE!
My must see TV this season is the BL (although I agree with you, it is a little boring this time) and American Idol! I’m loving StevenTyler as the new judge! He cracks me up!
I’m with you, Marisa. I’m addicted to American Idol and really didn’t expect to like the new judges as much as I do. The only other show I look forward to is Kitchen Nightmares with Chef Ramsey. It makes me appreciate the times when I decide to cook at home instead of eat out. God only knows what’s happening back in the kitchen at my favorite restaurants. Which is why I know I’ll cook the Firecracker Chicken rather than order it.
I must hang my head in shame but tonight starts America’s Next Top Model and I love the show so much I have not missed an episode since its inception. My husband teases that I have the ability to find the trashiest TV shows ever and this just adds fuel to his fire. But, once again, I am excited for a new season!
your take on the fire cracker chicken looks absolutely wonderful!!!
I am with you…not too many shows that interest me these days. I am liking the comedies on tv on Wednesday nights though….the middle, modern family and hot in cleveland. These are probably the only ones I really get excited for. :))))
Besides the food shows, HGTV and PBS… I have to have Hallmark Channel movie fixes to get all the tears out of my system. Sad or happy endings, I am bawling every time. 😀 When I want to see the Biggest Loser- I just look in the mirror with my rose colored, hopeful spectacles.
: ) Ha!
PS-Psst, Danica, what state are you in? Should I already know the answer to this question? When someone asked me, I didn’t know the answer. 😮
I did add Thai Sweet Chili Sauce to my Firecracker Chicken. I also added soy sauce to the marinade. I loved the texture that the marinade gave the chicken, gave it a little bit of crispy coating. Awesome dish that I will definitely be making again!
Your chicken looks amazing but looks like way too much work for me to make.
I love Top Chef, really the only show I am now addicted to. I used to love AI but each year I get frustrated that it becomes merely a popularity contest instead of talent so I gave it up.
I could never buy those cookies from TJs. Like your Biscoff spread, portion control doesn’t apply to over the top goodness like these!
Absolutely love Mike & Molly, Big Bang Theory and 2-1/2 Men. Other than those 3 shows, I could skip TV altogether. Way too much reality TV for my taste!
I can’t wait to make the fire cracker chicken!! My boyfriend just got me addicted to sriracha sauce. I have a bottle at home and at work, just in case. 🙂
There are a few new shows that I love this season, Mad Love & Mr. Sunshine. I also am a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy. Have been since it started. I also watch How I met your mother and The Middle. I DVR them so that I can fast forward thru the commercials so it doesn’t seem like I’m watching alot of tv. LOL. Sometimes I have 2-3 weeks worth to catch up on. Such a busy life with 2 kids, especially when they are involved in sports.
Hi Debbie,
You know I haven’t, but, I will definitely look into it!
Thanks,
Danica
Hi AJ,
California.
Danica
My two must see tv shows on right now (we usually record and watch later) are Hungry Girl’s cooking show and I Used To Be Fat.
We love funny shows at our house so these are a must see every week – Shameless, Raising Hope, Tosh.0, Modern Family (hysterical), The Office (this season is not that great), 30 Rock, Outsourced & My Big Redneck Wedding. Check them out!
I am a total Criminal Minds & NCIS (original & Los Angeles) fanatic.
I catch up on my TIVO watching during the day. Will come in handy once baseball season starts again. I’ve been watching Heavy, Oprah’s Season 25 (the reality show of her last season-it’s better than her actual show), and CSI (Vegas). We also catch some random shows like American Pickers and An Idiot Abroad. We’re newly addicted to House Hunters International. We’re very good at guessing which house they will pick. 🙂
I found the TJ’s apple/almond stuffed pork chops to be a bit bland as well. You should try their bacon wrapped pork chops with rosemary; they are very tasty and pack a lot of flavor!
Thursday nights at 8pm you have to try Vampire Diaries. It is a fast paced show and I find it very entertaining.
Hi Danica, wow, that chicken looks GOOOOD!!!! I admit, I’m addicted to “The Amazing Race”. Makes me want to travel the world!!!
Susan – I totally agree with the “too much reality tv”. I’d much rather watch the half hour comedies – 2 1/2 men, Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly. The rest of the time we watch sports, especially ice hockey.
Danica – I just went on vacation for 2 weeks and your’s were the only emails that I kept in my inbox and read through from that time period. I love reading your blog every day. You always manage to put a voice to the struggles we all have without even realizing it. Thank you for your inspiration.
Your fire cracker chicken recipe looks SO GOOD!!! I can’t wait to try it out. All the colors make it so much more appetizing.
Shows I am watching right now every week: Top Chef & Jersey Shore (bad, I know lol).
Danica the stir fry looks great! I bought some of that TJ’s dressing but have yet to try it. So many great products and so little time to try them all!
I like Big Love and American Idol.
Yet another yummy chicken recipe from kitchen’o;danica!
I have never been a big fan of Panda Express, but I would eat the dish you made in a heartbeat!! 🙂
I’m with Marcia – the chicken looks AMAZING, and way too much work for someone who stored sweaters in her oven until 6 weeks ago.
My new favorite show is Blue Bloods…which means I’m officially OLD because A) it’s on CBS, B) it’s on Friday nights, and C) I heart Tom Selleck. Also love Amazing Race (I use it as a geography lesson for my son; we trace the route on his globe and talk about the countries they visit). Friday Night Lights was the best show to ever be on TV, and last but not least, MODERN FAMILY for guaranteed laughs!
The Firecracker Chicken was fantastic..we had it for dinner tonight. I am making it again next week…thanks for the awesome recipe!
I’m going to have to try this firecracker chicken because I fell in love with the Panda Express version after seeing it on your blog 🙂
I don’t watch much reality TV other than Top Chef; I get more caught up in the crime shows like The Mentalist or Castle.
Check out Pit Boss Saturday night on Animal Planet. It is a good reality show. Also love Merlin on the SyFy channel.
The chicken looks great, but it looks like a lot of work. I don’t have a lot of time in the kitchen, so I make a lot of easy stuff. I wish I had the time for more cooking, because I actually don’t mind it.
G’day! Your chicken is what I’m pickin’ YUM and is now on the list to do!
Cheers! Joanne
Great recipe. Easy and takes no time at all to make. Busy folks need more recipes like this one. I also added some sweet chili sauce to the marinade and sauce. It was my first dish in my new wok. Fast and easy is the way to go!!!!!
TJ’s organic broccoli slaw stir fried with garlic and ginger (and scallions and cilantro if I have some) with a little TJ’s spicy Peanut dressing is a go-to recipe for me. So tasty!
HI Danica-what is a dirty latte? Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen,
It’s a small or medium nonfat latte with 1-2 pumps of mocha in it. It’s just enough to give it a chocolatey taste wtihout making it too sweet.
Thanks for asking,
Danica