Name: Sizzle Up Your Dinner Table with Dragon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips; 1 egg; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil, for shallow frying; 2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying); 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 2–3 dried red chilies (adjust for heat); 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup onion, sliced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp red chili sauce; 1 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup water; Green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds

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When it comes to bold, spicy flavors that make your taste buds dance, few dishes compete with Dragon Chicken. This vibrant, fiery stir-fry is a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers everything we love about Homemade Chinese Food—crispy chicken strips tossed in a sticky, spicy, garlicky sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re hunting for Asian meals to shake up your dinner routine or looking for yummy summer dinner recipes that are quick, hot, and satisfying, this dish fits right in.

Perfect for a midweek family dinner, meal prep, or your next themed night of Chinese cooking recipes, Dragon Chicken is an exciting culinary journey that starts in your own kitchen. It’s ideal for spice lovers and fans of adventurous meals that come together in under 30 minutes.

Why Dragon Chicken Is a Must-Try Asian-Inspired Dish

Dragon Chicken is not only delicious, but it’s also extremely versatile. It takes its cues from Indo-Chinese cooking styles, combining crunchy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a sauce that’s equal parts savory, spicy, and just a little sweet. Think of it as the perfect balance between comfort food and something exotic enough to surprise your dinner guests.

It’s a dish that feels both restaurant-quality and easy enough to make at home, perfect for anyone seeking random food recipes that are anything but boring. And if you’re a fan of spicy chicken recipes or bold Asian flavors, you’re in for a real treat.

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Dragon Chicken

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need a blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything required to serve 4:

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
1 egg
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for shallow frying

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
2–3 dried red chilies (adjust based on spice tolerance)
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced onion
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red chili sauce
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup water
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Dragon Chicken

Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing a stir-fry like Dragon Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Whisk (for batter)
Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
Measuring spoons and cups

Make sure everything is prepped and ready—stir-fry dishes cook fast!

How to Make Dragon Chicken Step by Step

Marinate & Batter the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk the egg with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat evenly.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
Add the Veggies: Toss in bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Mix the Sauce: Add soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back into the wok. Toss everything to coat the chicken with the sauce evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles—or enjoy it as a standalone main dish.

Tips for Making Authentic Dragon Chicken at Home

Slice chicken thinly and evenly: This ensures it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Double fry for extra crispiness: For restaurant-level crunch, fry the chicken twice.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep the peppers slightly crisp for texture contrast.
Balance the sauce: Adjust chili and sugar levels to suit your spice preference.
Prep everything ahead of time: Stir-fry dishes move fast, so having ingredients ready is key.

Delicious Variations of Dragon Chicken You Can Try

Ayam Bakar Twist: Swap the sauce for a more Indonesian-style glaze using kecap manis, garlic, and chili.
Sticky Honey Dragon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet-spicy combo.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a meatless take.
Extra Crunch: Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts for nutty flavor and texture.
Healthy Bake: Instead of frying, bake the chicken strips in the oven for a lighter version.

These twists offer fun ways to keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Serving Suggestions for Dragon Chicken

Serve Dragon Chicken over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles. For a lighter meal, try serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

Hosting a themed dinner? Add spring rolls or dumplings to the table and turn dinner into a full-on Asian meal experience.

Presentation Ideas: Make Dragon Chicken Look as Good as It Tastes

For a visually stunning dish, use a black or dark-colored plate to make the colors pop. Sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions just before serving. Serve with chopsticks for authenticity and flair. You can also use a wide, shallow bowl and layer rice underneath for a beautiful one-bowl presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Dragon Chicken

Overcrowding the pan while frying: This drops the oil temperature and makes the chicken soggy.
Not prepping ingredients first: Timing is crucial in stir-frying, and unprepared ingredients can ruin the rhythm.
Using too much sauce: Dragon Chicken should be coated, not swimming in sauce.
Burning the garlic: Burnt garlic gives a bitter taste—sauté just until golden.
Skipping the rest after frying: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes post-frying to retain crispiness.

How to Store and Reheat Dragon Chicken Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. If freezing, store the sauce and chicken separately for best texture upon reheating.

What to Serve with Dragon Chicken (Non-Alcoholic Pairings)

Pair your spicy Dragon Chicken with refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks like:

Iced jasmine tea or green tea
Sparkling lime water with mint
Chilled coconut water
Pineapple or mango smoothies
Light cucumber lemonade

These beverages not only balance the heat but enhance the tropical, Asian-inspired vibes of the dish.

FAQs About Dragon Chicken

Is Dragon Chicken very spicy?
It can be, but you can control the heat by adjusting the chili sauce and dried chilies.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and flour alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch.

What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work well if sliced thin and not overcooked.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine just before serving.

Conclusion

Bold, spicy, and oh-so-addictive, Dragon Chicken is the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight feel like a culinary adventure. Whether you’re diving into Chinese cooking recipes, exploring new Asian meals, or just craving spicy chicken recipes that pack a punch, this dish is a surefire winner.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your fellow foodies and leave a comment below with your twist. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more deliciously easy global recipes!

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