Dragon Chicken

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Dragon Chicken is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. It’s spicy, bold, a little sweet, and packs that addictive restaurant-style crunch that makes you want to dive in fork-first. If you love Indo-Chinese takeout, you’re going to be head-over-heels for this quick and fiery chicken stir-fry.

This dish is known for its balance of textures and flavors. Crispy fried chicken strips get tossed in a glossy, chili-garlic sauce that clings to every piece just right. Add in crunchy bell peppers and a handful of toasted cashews or sesame seeds and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that works for everything from weeknight dinners to party platters.

Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken delivers the best of both worlds: the comfort of homemade food with the thrill of a restaurant-style experience. The chicken stays juicy inside with a golden crisp on the outside, and the sauce is so irresistible, you’ll want to scoop up every last drop.

It also comes together fast. You can prep everything in about 30 minutes and still feel like you made something special. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles or eat it straight from the pan, it’s a total flavor bomb.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use for Dragon Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well for this recipe. Chicken breasts give you leaner bites, while thighs stay extra tender and juicy, especially when fried. Cut the chicken into thin strips so they cook quickly and hold more of that bold sauce.

Ingredients for the Dragon Chicken

To make the most flavor-packed Dragon Chicken, you want to keep your ingredients fresh and flavorful. Each component plays a big role in the texture, spice, or balance of the sauce and chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast or thigh strips
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Soy sauce
• Chili garlic sauce or paste
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic cloves
• Ginger
• Red chili flakes
• Bell peppers (red and green)
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds or cashews
• Oil for frying

Each of these ingredients adds depth. The cornstarch and flour coat the chicken for that essential crispiness. Soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar build the signature sweet-savory-tangy profile of the sauce. Fresh ginger and garlic bring punchy aromatics, and chili sauce kicks the heat up to where you want it.

How To Make the Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken strips with soy sauce, egg, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the chicken flavor and that light batter that crisps up beautifully.

Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet or wok and fry the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In a clean pan, heat a bit of oil and toss in chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, then add the sliced bell peppers. Cook them just until they start to soften but still keep some crunch.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add chili garlic sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of chili flakes to the pan. Stir well and bring the sauce to a light simmer.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the sauce cling to the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds or cashews. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Dragon Chicken

This dish is best served hot and fresh, right after cooking when the chicken is still crisp and the sauce is glossy. Dragon Chicken feeds about 4 people generously, especially if served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture. The crisp may soften slightly, but the flavors only get bolder with time.

What to Serve With Dragon Chicken?

Garlic Fried Rice

The mellow flavor of garlic fried rice makes it the perfect base for this bold chicken dish.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Simple and fragrant, jasmine rice balances the heat and richness of the sauce.

Stir-Fried Noodles

Toss some egg noodles with sesame oil, soy sauce, and veggies for a comforting side.

Asian Slaw

A crunchy cabbage slaw with a sesame-ginger dressing adds a refreshing, cool contrast.

Spring Rolls

Add crispy veggie or shrimp spring rolls to complete a restaurant-style meal.

Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers with a touch of vinegar and sugar cool your palate between bites.

Egg Drop Soup

A light soup makes a cozy starter that won’t compete with the main event.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love Dragon Chicken, you’ll want to check out these other irresistible recipes next:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a hearty and indulgent comfort meal.
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole when you want simple, oven-baked satisfaction.
• Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken for a citrusy twist with minimal effort.
• Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders when you’re craving crunch without the fryer.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for a bold lunch or dinner wrap.

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If you made this dish, let me know how it turned out! Did you go extra spicy or dial it back? Maybe added some peanuts instead of cashews? I love hearing your delicious twists. Drop your questions below too — let’s help each other get it just right.

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