Dragon Chicken 🐉🔥 Crispy, Spicy, and Loaded with Bold Flavor
Dragon Chicken is an Indo-Chinese fusion dish that packs serious heat and flavor. Think golden-fried chicken strips tossed in a sticky, garlicky, and slightly sweet chili sauce, finished with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a flourish of green onions. It’s a perfect mix of crunchy and saucy, and it comes together faster than ordering takeout!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m all about dishes that deliver on both texture and taste, and Dragon Chicken does exactly that. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and the sauce—sweet, tangy, spicy, and rich—coats each piece beautifully. It’s great over rice or noodles, or even served as an appetizer for spicy food lovers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ cup bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 2–3 dried red chilies
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Dragon Chicken
1. Prep and Marinate Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix chicken with cornstarch, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep pan.
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
- Add onions and bell peppers; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Mix soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and water in a bowl.
- Pour into the wok and bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken and Toss:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- When the sauce thickens, toss in fried chicken to coat well.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Top with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- Use thin chicken strips for quick, even frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid soggy chicken.
- Adjust spice level by changing the number of dried chilies or chili garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture—crispy and saucy!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Dragon Chicken makes a fiery centerpiece when paired with:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fusion party spread
- Dorito Casserole for bold comfort food
- Beer Cheese Dip to cool down the spice
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons as a delicious appetizer pairing
- Baked Brie Appetizer for an elegant contrast
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture—add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crispy coating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Explore other bold, crowd-pleasing recipes:
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons – golden and crunchy
- Dorito Casserole – indulgent and family-friendly
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – melty, cheesy perfection
Final Thoughts
Dragon Chicken is a dish that delivers drama, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you serve it as a main course or party favorite, its sweet-heat balance and crispy finish make it a total standout.
✨ Made it? Tag @chefmaniacrecipes on Instagram or leave a comment to show off your fiery kitchen creation!
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