Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken
A vibrant Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a spicy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
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.
Notes
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.