🌶️ Sweet Fire Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) – Sweet, Spicy & Homemade!

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This Sweet Fire Chicken is the ultimate homemade takeout—tender crispy chicken, sweet pineapple, crunchy peppers, and a glossy chili glaze that tastes better than Panda Express!

⏱️ Quick Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Diet Tags: Dairy-Free • Asian-Inspired • Sweet & Spicy

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

For the Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized strips)

  • Salt & pepper

  • Egg (beaten)

  • Cornstarch

  • All-purpose flour

  • Canola oil (for frying)

For the Sauce & Veggies

  • Pineapple juice

  • Sweet chili sauce

  • Light soy sauce

  • Cornstarch

  • Onion (cubed)

  • Red bell pepper (cubed)

  • Pineapple chunks

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season & Coat Chicken:
    Toss chicken strips in salt, pepper, and a beaten egg. In a second bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and more seasoning. Dredge each piece until coated.

  2. Fry Until Crispy:
    In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

  3. Prepare Sauce:
    In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. This is your sticky-sweet glaze!

  4. Stir-Fry Veggies:
    Drain the oil, leaving 1 Tbsp. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 1–2 minutes. Add pineapple and stir until warm.

  5. Simmer & Combine:
    Stir the sauce, pour into the pan, and let it bubble until thickened. Return chicken and veggies to the wok, toss gently until coated and glossy.

  6. Serve Hot:
    Plate immediately with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli.

💬 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Sweet Fire Chicken is one of those craveable classics that hits all the right notes—crispy, juicy chicken paired with sweet-spicy glaze and crunchy veggies. And let me tell you, making it at home means you control the ingredients, balance the heat, and skip the takeout line. My kids devour this with a side of rice, and it’s always a hit when friends come over.

🥘 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions

Ingredient Tips & Swaps
Chicken breast Leaner than thighs but still juicy when fried. Try tofu for a veg version!
Cornstarch & flour Gives the signature crisp—use rice flour for GF option.
Pineapple chunks Fresh or canned in juice, not syrup. Adds natural sweetness.
Sweet chili sauce Choose your heat level. Sriracha + honey works in a pinch.
Soy sauce Light sodium version helps balance the saltiness.

🍴 Variations & Serving Suggestions

🔄 Flavor Twists

  • Spicy Lover’s Version: Add red pepper flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to the sauce.

  • Crispy Cauliflower: Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a veg-friendly version.

  • Ginger Zing: Add 1 tsp grated ginger to the sauce for a fresh, peppery lift.

🍽️ How to Serve It

  • Over jasmine or basmati rice

  • With cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal

  • As a lettuce wrap filling with shredded cabbage

🧂 Portion Tips (W-W)

  • Use air-fried or oven-baked chicken to reduce points.

  • Limit sweet chili sauce to control added sugars.

  • Serve with cauliflower rice to keep it lower-carb.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.

  • Freeze: Not ideal (coating loses crisp), but sauce can be frozen separately.

  • Reheat: Oven or air fryer preferred—350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp.

  • Make Ahead Tip: Pre-cook the chicken and refrigerate—assemble and reheat in sauce when ready.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~420

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbs: 40g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • W-W Points: Approx. 9–11 (adjust for cooking method)

Allergens: Contains egg, gluten, soy

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes! Lightly spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Is it spicy?
A: Mildly! The sweet chili sauce balances the spice, but you can tone it down by using less or choosing a mild variety.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Absolutely—just drain well and use the juice in the sauce mix!

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use GF soy sauce and swap flour for a 1:1 GF baking blend or rice flour.

👩‍🍳 Kristy’s Note

This recipe is such a fun way to bring the magic of takeout into your own kitchen. As a W-W expert, I’m all about flavor-forward dishes that don’t break your wellness goals. Sweet Fire Chicken proves that you can have crispy, saucy, and satisfying without ordering out or overdoing it on calories. Make it your own—and tag me when you do!

🍚 More W-W Friendly Asian-Inspired Recipes

  • Skinny Orange Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

  • Teriyaki Turkey Stir-Fry (20-Minute Meal!)

  • W-W Egg Roll in a Bowl

  • Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Bites

💌 Share Your Version!

Did you try this Sweet Fire Chicken? Show me your plate!
📸 Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram or leave a comment below with your twist!
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Let’s cook smart, bold, and balanced—together!

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