Once I started my natural health journey, I realized that I enjoy foods that stretch my palate a little (or sometimes a lot). Who wants plain chicken breast and steamed broccoli when you can have volcano chicken? This fried chicken recipe has an Asian inspired flair and is perfect for busy nights. It pulls together in less than 30 minutes and even my kids can make it in the air fryer!
What is Volcano Chicken?
Some sources say that the original volcano chicken was a Thai dish that involved covering a whole chicken in whiskey and lighting it on fire. While we certainly won’t be doing that today, I can just about guarantee this crispy chicken recipe tastes much better!
The modern day version of volcano chicken is a spicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s often paired with rice or stir fry to make a meal. It’s typically deep fried in hot oil (vegetable oil) and covered in a sauce that includes ingredients like brown sugar, sriracha, or even buffalo sauce.
I use a homemade sweet chili sauce in this recipe that includes ingredients like rice vinegar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and honey. It’s like a spicy, sweet hot sauce with an Asian twist! And although the recipe calls for chicken breast, deboned and skinless chicken thighs would also work.
The Beauty of Volcano Chicken
This Volcano Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful meals. The crispy chicken paired with the sweet and spicy sauce is the perfect combination, and it comes together in under 30 minutes! Plus, it’s versatile since you can serve it however you like, whether it’s over rice, salad, or potatoes.
I’ll also sometimes make this recipe ahead when I’m meal prepping. You can cook the chicken ahead of time, then reheat and toss it with the sauce when you’re ready to eat. The crispy chicken and tangy sauce are so delicious, my kids definitely requested adding this to our regular dinner rotation.
It’s always nice when delicious recipes are also easy and healthy!
Quick Volcano Chicken Recipe
Servings
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- ½ cup organic flour (or cassava flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 TBSP onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 eggs (whisked)
- 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
For the Volcano Sauce
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce (organic or homemade)
- 2 TBSP maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 TBSP soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ½ orange (juiced and zested)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs until well combined in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, and then coat them in the flour mixture again. The double coating ensures the chicken gets a crispy, crunchy texture when cooked. Set each piece aside on a plate and repeat for the rest of the chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lay the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your fryer is small. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce by stirring together the sweet chili sauce, maple syrup (or honey), soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the Volcano sauce over the crispy chicken pieces. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated.
Nutrition
Notes
- Reheat any leftovers in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
- Serve over white rice, fried rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes, or your favorite toppings.
More Recipes
Looking for some more Asian inspired recipes to try? Here are some of our favorites!
- How to Make Vietnamese Spring Rolls
- Colorful Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
- Quick Chicken and Rice Oyakodon Bowl
- Asian Lettuce Wraps (like P.F. Chang)
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
What are some of your favorite take-out dishes to make at home? Leave a comment and let us know!
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