If you’re craving a dish packed with bold flavors and a fiery kick, Dragon Chicken is a must-try! This Chinese-inspired dish, typically served as an appetizer or main course, combines crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful meal, Dragon Chicken is sure to impress.
What is Dragon Chicken?
Dragon Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish known for its crispy chicken chunks coated in a savory, tangy, and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. The dish is often garnished with fresh spring onions and sometimes includes dried red chilies for extra heat, giving it a distinct “dragon” vibe with its fiery flavors.
Ingredients for Dragon Chicken:
To make Dragon Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust according to your spice tolerance)
- Salt to taste
- Water (to bind the marinade)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce (or more for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
- Spring onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili powder, corn flour, and salt. Add a little water to help bind the marinade. Mix well and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to make the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot, carefully drop the marinated chicken pieces into the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the finely chopped ginger and garlic until aromatic, about 1 minute. Then, add soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, sugar (or honey), and vinegar. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. If you like extra spice, throw in a few dried red chilies for added heat. Stir until everything is nicely coated and the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh spring onions for a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own as an appetizer. Enjoy the explosive flavors of this fiery, sweet, and spicy Dragon Chicken!
Tips for Perfect Dragon Chicken:
- Crispiness: To ensure that the chicken stays crispy, fry it in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure the chicken gets a golden and crunchy texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The key to Dragon Chicken is the right balance of heat. Adjust the chili powder and chili sauce according to your preference. For a milder version, use fewer dried chilies or substitute with sweet chili sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Healthier Variations:
- Baked Chicken: For a healthier twist, you can bake the marinated chicken instead of frying it. Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Vegetarian Option: Dragon Chicken can easily be made vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or vegetables like cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative.
Conclusion:
Dragon Chicken is a perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, making it a standout dish for any meal. Its bold flavors and exciting textures will make it a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or impressing guests, Dragon Chicken will add a fiery touch to your menu. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the “dragon” of deliciousness!
Serving Tips for Dragon Chicken:
- Pair with Rice or Noodles: Dragon Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with noodles, like chow mein or Hakka noodles, to create a complete meal.
- Garnish: Top the dish with fresh spring onions, finely chopped cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can also enhance the freshness of the dish.
- Make it a Full Meal: If you’re serving Dragon Chicken as a main course, pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. It’s also great as an appetizer for a Chinese-themed dinner party.
- Serve Immediately: Dragon Chicken tastes best when served hot and crispy. The longer it sits, the less crispy it will become, so try to serve it as soon as it’s ready.
Storage Tips for Dragon Chicken:
- Refrigerating: Leftover Dragon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To maintain its flavor and texture, ensure that the chicken is completely cooled before refrigerating.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, avoid microwaving it as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat the chicken in a hot pan or an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until it crisps up again.
- Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy Dragon Chicken fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake in the oven or pan-fry to bring back its crispiness.
- Sauce Storage: If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can use it for other stir-fried dishes or as a dipping sauce for other appetizers.
Additional Tip:
For the best flavor, it’s always recommended to cook Dragon Chicken fresh, but with the right storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy leftovers just as much!
1. Can I make Dragon Chicken spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. To make Dragon Chicken spicier, add extra chili powder, chili sauce, or dried red chilies. You can also incorporate fresh green chilies or hot chili oil for an added kick.
2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! While boneless chicken breasts are commonly used, boneless chicken thighs work just as well. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, adding richness to the dish. Just ensure the chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of Dragon Chicken?
Yes, you can easily make Dragon Chicken vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or mushrooms. Coat them in the same marinade and fry until crispy for a similar texture and flavor.
4. Can I prepare Dragon Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just fry the chicken and combine it with the sauce right before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
Dragon Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Description
Dragon Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken strips tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce with bell peppers, onions, and a touch of garlic and ginger. It’s the perfect dish for those who love bold, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or green)
- 2–3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips, soy sauce, cornflour, all-purpose flour, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.
- Fry the marinated chicken strips in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pan, remove any excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies (if using). Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the Sauces:
- Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, honey (or sugar), and vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken strips to the pan and toss until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili sauce and omit the dried red chilies.
- Extra Crunch: You can add cashews or peanuts for added texture and crunch.
- Vegetable Options: Add more vegetables like carrots or snow peas for a colorful variation.