Fireball Chicken is a bold and spicy dish featuring crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a sticky, sweet, and fiery Fireball whiskey glaze. It’s the perfect fusion of heat, sweetness, and a hint of cinnamon, making it a standout at parties, game nights, or any time you want to impress with flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)cornstarchall-purpose floureggsvegetable oil for fryinggarlichot saucetomato pastebrown sugarsoy sauceapple cider vinegarFireball cinnamon whiskeybutterred pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

directions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine cornstarch and flour.

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add tomato paste, hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and Fireball whiskey. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.

Toss the fried chicken in the warm sauce until evenly coated.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use boneless wings instead of chicken breast for a more traditional texture.

Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist in the sauce.

Try it with grilled chicken instead of fried for a lighter version.

Serve over rice or with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store Fireball Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without Fireball whiskey?
Yes, but you’ll lose the signature cinnamon flavor. You can substitute with another cinnamon-flavored liqueur or skip it and increase the other sauce ingredients slightly.

Is it really spicy?
It has a kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the hot sauce and omitting the red pepper flakes.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but still tasty.

What should I serve with Fireball Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or even mac and cheese.

Can kids eat this dish?
Due to the whiskey content, it’s best reserved for adults, even though the alcohol cooks off.

Conclusion

Fireball Chicken is a fiery twist on your favorite crispy chicken, loaded with bold flavor and just the right amount of sweet heat. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish brings excitement to the table and leaves a memorable taste with every bite.