Introduction
Craving a bold, fiery dish with a perfect crunch? Dragon Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese recipe featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy sauce. With its vibrant red hue and explosive flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Perfect for dinner parties or a weekend indulgence, Dragon Chicken pairs beautifully with fried rice or noodles. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken
- Crispy & saucy – Golden fried chicken coated in a glossy, spicy sauce.
- Quick to make – Faster than takeout.
- Customizable heat – Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Restaurant-style – Just like your favorite Chinese takeout.
- Versatile – Serve as an appetizer or main course.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into strips
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil, for deep frying
For the Dragon Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red/green), sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha or Schezwan)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
- Spring onions, for garnish
Step 1: Marinate & Fry the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken strips, egg, cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok (350°F/175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (4-5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Dragon Sauce
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, ginger, and green chili for 30 seconds.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and water. Mix well.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
Step 3: Toss & Serve
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken (first at 325°F, then at 375°F).
FAQs
Q: How spicy is Dragon Chicken?
A: Medium-hot—adjust green chilies and chili sauce to taste.
Q: Can I use chicken wings?
A: Yes! Adjust frying time (8-10 minutes for wings).
Q: Is there a baked version?
A: Yes! Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss in sauce.
Q: What to serve with it?
A: Pair with fried rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Fry chicken and store separately—reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
Tips for the Best Dragon Chicken
- High heat frying – Ensures crispiness.
- Fresh garlic & ginger – Essential for authentic flavor.
- Sauce consistency – Should coat the chicken lightly, not drown it.
- Garnish generously – Spring onions add freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan – Lowers oil temp, making chicken soggy.
- Overcooking the sauce – Can become too thick.
- Skipping the cornstarch – Needed for the crispy coating.
Conclusion
This Dragon Chicken is a fiery, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. Crispy, saucy, and packed with heat, it’s perfect for spice lovers!
Print
Dragon Chicken: A Spicy, Crispy Indo-Chinese Delight
- Total Time: 25 MINS
Description
Satisfy your cravings with this fiery and flavorful Dragon Chicken! Perfectly marinated and stir-fried chicken, combined with vibrant veggies and a savory, spicy sauce, makes for an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply enjoying a family meal, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry:
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken slices with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Veggies: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add bell peppers and onion, cooking until slightly tender.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Garnish with green onions.
