One of Lisa’s favorite takeout dishes is the iconic Sweet Fire Chicken from Panda Express. But as full-time RVers, Panda isn’t always around when the craving hits. So what do we do? We make it ourselves—and trust me, this copycat Sweet Fire Chicken recipe is even better than the original.
Sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor, this easy stir-fry recipe is a must-have for your RV kitchen or home cooking rotation. Whether you’re using your Blackstone Tailgater, a cast-iron skillet, or a regular stovetop, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour.
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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Fire Chicken Recipe
- Better than Panda Express – You control the ingredients and spice level.
- Perfect for RV Cooking – Easily made on a griddle, grill, or skillet.
- Sweet & Spicy Combo – Thai sweet chili sauce, fresh veggies, and pineapple.
- Crispy Chicken Bites – Fried golden and mixed with bold flavors.
- Great for Meal Prep – Double the batch for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast – cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1½ cups diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 12 oz Thai sweet chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
Equipment
- Blackstone Tailgater (or large skillet/griddle)
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or a spatula
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
Dredge chicken chunks in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then dredge again in flour. Press to coat well for extra crispiness.
Heat the Oil
On your Blackstone or large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes per side). Set aside on a paper towel-lined tray or pan.
Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté the onion, red bell pepper, and pineapple for 4–5 minutes or until tender.
Combine & Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce and mix well until everything is coated and heated through.
Serve
Spoon the Sweet Fire Chicken over jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Recipe Tips
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked frozen chicken nuggets in a pinch to save time.
- Spicier Version: Add a dash of crushed red pepper or sriracha to the sauce.
- Make it Healthier: Skip frying and stir-fry the chicken pieces with minimal oil.
Sweet Fire Chicken Just Like Panda Only Better
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dredge Chicken in flour, dip into egg mixture, then dredge in flour again, pressing to coat.
- Chop Onions, Red Bell Pepper, and Pineapple. We prefer to use canned chopped pineapple.
- Heat Canola Oil on Blackstone Griddle or a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Once oil is hot add Chicken to griddle, cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set cooked chicken aside in baking pan while cooking vegetables.
- Heat Olive Oil on Blackstone Griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Onion, Red Bell Pepper, and Pineapple. Cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir Chicken into Vegetable Mixture and add Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Serve over Jasmine Rice, Garnish with green onion.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Fire Chicken is one of those recipes that’s shockingly easy, irresistibly delicious, and 100% RV kitchen-approved. Whether you’re making it on your Blackstone in the great outdoors or on a stovetop in your rig, it’s sure to become a go-to weeknight meal.
If you’ve made this dish or have a variation, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
