Panda Express Firecracker Chicken Copycat Recipe
This spicy stir-fry recreates the beloved Panda Express firecracker chicken with tender chicken breast pieces tossed in a savory-spicy sauce with colorful bell peppers and aromatic seasonings. The dish gets its signature heat from whole dried chilies and crushed red pepper, while black beans add an authentic touch. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you're craving takeout flavors at home, this high-heat wok cooking method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chicken boneless skinless breast, cut into long thin pieces
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 8 pieces whole dry chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons black beans, washed(optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced into 1 inch strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced into 1 inch strips
- ½ white onion, sliced into 3/4 inch wedges
- 1 teaspoon white wine
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Mix sesame oil, cooking wine, soy sauce, cornstarch and water in a small cup
- 2
Heat wok over high flame and add canola oil until heated through
- 3
Add chicken breast and cook over high heat for 1 minute
- 4
Remove chicken and add onions and bell peppers, cook for 30 seconds
- 5
Add whole dry chili peppers to vegetables and stir until darkened, about 30 seconds
- 6
Add ginger, garlic, crushed red chili pepper and black beans, stir for 30 seconds
- 7
Return chicken to pan with sauce mixture and stir until sauce thickens
- 8
Serve immediately
Tips
Use high heat throughout cooking for proper wok hei and to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy
Cut chicken into uniform thin strips for even cooking and authentic texture
Have all ingredients prepped before starting as this dish cooks very quickly
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in sealed container
Can prep all ingredients up to 4 hours ahead, cook just before serving
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles
Common Mistakes
Use high heat to avoid steaming vegetables instead of stir-frying
Don't overcook chicken to prevent it from becoming tough
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and use fewer whole chilies. Remove seeds from peppers for milder heat.
What can I substitute for black beans?
You can omit them entirely or use fermented black bean sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Fresh peppers work best for texture, but thawed frozen peppers can work if well-drained to prevent excess moisture.