It’s 6pm. You’re tired. Dinner needs to happen fast.
This low carb firecracker chicken is the perfect answer for your busy weeknight. It delivers a punch of flavor without the heavy carbs. You will love how the spicy glaze coats every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a total lifesaver for a healthy reset. You get all the spicy, sweet vibes of takeout at home. It uses lean ground chicken for a lighter, satisfying feel. Best of all, it is ready in 25 minutes from start to finish.
Simple Method
You just brown the meat and whisk a quick sauce. The cauliflower rice cooks in a separate pan very quickly. It is very beginner-friendly and hard to mess up. You will feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- 1.1 lbs lean ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned for 8 minutes.
- Whisk together garlic, ginger, hot sauce, sweetener, soy sauce, and flakes.
- Pour sauce over chicken and simmer for 4 minutes until glazed.
- Sauté cauliflower rice in a separate pan for 5 minutes until tender.
- Portion the rice into bowls and top with the firecracker chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this hot in shallow bowls for a cozy feel. Top it with plenty of fresh green onions for crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli. For a healthy reset, enjoy it with a cold sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. This recipe is excellent for meal prep lunches. Reheat it in the microwave for about two minutes. The flavors actually get better the next day.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Break the chicken into very small crumbles while browning.
- Use a non-stick skillet to make cleanup much easier.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.
- For a busy weeknight, use pre-riced cauliflower from the store.
- Double the sauce if you like things extra saucy.
- Add a squeeze of lime at the end for brightness.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a similar taste.
- Use honey instead of monk fruit if not tracking carbs.
- Add sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch.
- In summer, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce wraps.
Quick Answers
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a kick from the buffalo sauce and flakes. You can reduce the pepper flakes for a milder version. The sweetener helps balance the heat perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is a fantastic meal prep option. The chicken holds its texture very well when reheated. It is a time-saving winner for busy weeks.
I hope this spicy low carb firecracker chicken brings some excitement to your table. It is the perfect way to stay on track while eating well. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Low Carb Firecracker Ground Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs lean ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned, breaking into small crumbles for approximately 8 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, hot sauce, monk fruit sweetener, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and reduce heat to medium; simmer for 4 minutes until sauce reduces to a glaze.
- Sauté cauliflower rice in a separate lightly oiled pan for 5 minutes until tender.
- Portion the cauliflower rice into bowls and top with the firecracker chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
