Why Make This Recipe
Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine right to your table. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests. The mix of spices and the crispy texture of the chicken make it addictive! Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized to your spice preference.
How to Make Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Choose thighs for added moisture and tenderness.)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Helps achieve a crispy texture.)
- 1 piece Egg White (Enhances crispiness.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adds warmth and depth.)
- Vegetable Oil (Use high smoke point oil like canola or peanut.)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Imparts a nutty flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced (Fundamental flavor base.)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced (Adds warmth and spice.)
- 2-3 Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
- 1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup (Balances spice with sweetness.)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Adds umami.)
- 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce (Introduces heat.)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar (Provides a tangy note.)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey (Sweetens the sauce.)
- 1/4 cup Water (Use as needed to loosen the sauce.)
- Sliced Green Onions (Adds freshness.)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (Enhances flavor.)
- Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper (Adds extra crunch.)
Directions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a bowl.
- Add cornstarch, egg white, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Mix well until coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add dried red chilies or crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar (or honey). Mix well.
- If needed, add water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Add the fried chicken back into the sauce. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fried onion or bell pepper.
How to Serve Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a starter at parties. The crunchiness of the chicken and the bold flavors will surely delight your guests.
How to Store Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it in a pan on the stove.
Tips to Make Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chilies.
- For extra crunch, add more fried onions or bell peppers.
- Have all your ingredients prepared before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu or paneer. The cooking method remains the same, and it will absorb the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be reheated when needed.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Adding bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli can enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Choose thighs for added moisture and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch Helps achieve a crispy texture.
- 1 piece Egg White Enhances crispiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds warmth and depth.
- to taste Vegetable Oil Use high smoke point oil like canola or peanut.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Imparts a nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced Fundamental flavor base.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced Adds warmth and spice.
- 2-3 pieces Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup Balances spice with sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Adds umami.
- 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce Introduces heat.
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar Provides a tangy note.
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey Sweetens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Water Use as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Sliced Green Onions Adds freshness.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds Enhances flavor.
- Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper Adds extra crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a bowl.
- Add cornstarch, egg white, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Mix well until coated.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add dried red chilies or crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar (or honey). Mix well.
- If needed, add water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Add the fried chicken back into the sauce. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fried onion or bell pepper.
