This easy copycat Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken features crispy chicken with red bell pepper, onion, and sweet pineapple, all tossed in a tangy sweet chili sauce. Make a healthier homemade version in about 30–40 minutes and skip takeout.
This recipe is a family-friendly favorite that recreates the bright flavors and satisfying crunch of Panda Express’s Sweet Fire Chicken. The combination of crispy chicken, tender vegetables, and warm pineapple in a sweet chili sauce is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Needed For Sweet Fire Chicken
- Chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Red bell pepper (chopped)
- Yellow onion (chopped)
- Pineapple chunks
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Rice for serving
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How To Make Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken
- Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag; shake to mix and set aside.
- Beat eggs in a medium bowl and add the cubed chicken, stirring to coat.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken from the egg to the flour mixture; seal the bag and shake to coat evenly.
- Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- In batches, fry the coated chicken until crispy on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the chicken and drain excess oil from the skillet.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onion, and pineapple and sauté until tender, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and Thai sweet chili sauce to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately over white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Breaded Chicken Instead?
Yes. If you’re short on time, baked frozen breaded chicken works well. Prepare it according to the package instructions, cut into bite-size pieces, then proceed with the recipe by sautéing the vegetables and tossing everything with the sweet chili sauce.
How To Serve Sweet Fire Chicken
Serve Sweet Fire Chicken with steamed white or brown rice, or with noodles. For a restaurant-style meal, pair it with fried rice. A light drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce over the rice adds a tasty touch. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and texture.
How To Store Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through. For best texture, reheat briefly in a skillet to refresh the crispiness.
Other Favorite Restaurant-Style Recipes
- Pepper Steak
- Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Healthier Orange Chicken
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Pineapple Chicken
Easy Copycat Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken
April King
Pin Recipe
10 mins
30 mins
40 mins
Chicken, Dinner, Main Course
Chinese
4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, or more if desired
- Green onions, for garnish
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Place flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag and shake to combine.
- Beat eggs in a medium bowl and add the cubed chicken, stirring to coat.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken from the egg to the flour mixture; seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken.
- Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, fry the coated chicken until crispy and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
- Remove the chicken and drain excess oil from the pan.
- Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onion, and pineapple; sauté until tender, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the sweet chili sauce, and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately with white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Let us know how it was!
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