Name: Dragon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 egg white; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2-3 dried red chilies or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ cup tomato ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar); 1 tablespoon sugar or honey; ¼ cup water (optional, to loosen the sauce); Salt, to taste; Sliced green onions; Toasted sesame seeds; Thin strips of fried onion or bell pepper for crunch

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and delivers a delightful blend of crispy and saucy textures, Dragon Chicken is your perfect match. This vibrant recipe combines tender, crispy chicken pieces with a fiery, tangy sauce that’s layered with garlic, ginger, and chili heat, making every bite a delicious adventure. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or a party favorite, Dragon Chicken will quickly become one of your go-to meals to impress friends and family with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Dragon Chicken lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something unique to the table—from the crispy coating on the chicken to the bold, layered sauce. These ingredients are easy to find and work in harmony to create that addictive sweet, spicy, and savory flavor profile you’ll love.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thinly sliced for quick frying and perfect sauce absorption.
Cornstarch: Creates that irresistible crispy crust on the chicken when fried.
Egg white: Helps the cornstarch stick evenly to the chicken for a great texture.
Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring a golden, crunchy finish.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasted nuttiness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Garlic and ginger: The dynamic duo that infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
Dried red chilies or crushed red pepper flakes: For that signature spicy kick that defines Dragon Chicken.
Tomato ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and forms the base for the sauce.
Soy sauce: Brings umami richness and balances the flavors.
Chili garlic sauce: Intensifies the heat and gives a garlicky punch.
Vinegar: Provides brightness and sharpness to cut through the richness.
Sugar or honey: Balances the heat and acidity with a gentle sweetness.
Water: Used sparingly to loosen the sauce when needed.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning, enhancing every component.

How to Make Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Start by combining the thinly sliced chicken with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade is key for the crispiness and seasoning, so give it about 10 to 15 minutes to let the coating adhere and the flavors settle.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Be careful not to crowd the pan, so each piece fries evenly. Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, setting it aside for the next delicious step.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add sesame oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for about 1-2 minutes until the aromas fill your kitchen. Then stir in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Let this sauce gently simmer for a few minutes, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick, so it perfectly coats the chicken later.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Now the fun part—add the crispy fried chicken back into the skillet with your spicy, tangy sauce. Toss everything well to ensure each piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for an extra minute so the flavors meld beautifully together, creating the perfect harmony.

How to Serve Dragon Chicken

Garnishes

To elevate your Dragon Chicken, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and subtle crunch that make the dish even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Dragon Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles to soak up the sauce. For a low-carb twist, try serving it in crisp lettuce cups or alongside sautéed vegetables, balancing the spiciness with fresh, light sides.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve Dragon Chicken as finger food at your next gathering. Plate the saucy chicken on small lettuce wraps or toothpicks topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for an elegant, easy-to-eat appetizer that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Dragon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the bold flavors again without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

Dragon Chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months for a quick and delicious meal later on.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to retain its crispiness and prevent the sauce from drying out. Microwaving works too but can make the coating soggy, so stovetop reheating is preferable for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Dragon Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving, making them an excellent choice for Dragon Chicken.

How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The spice level is moderate, coming mainly from dried chilies and chili garlic sauce. You can easily dial it down or up by adding fewer chilies or more, depending on your preference.

Is Dragon Chicken gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can substitute it with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I make Dragon Chicken vegetarian?

While classic Dragon Chicken uses chicken, you could substitute firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian take with the same flavorful sauce.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Coating the chicken evenly with cornstarch and frying in hot oil without overcrowding the pan are essential for maximum crispiness. Draining on paper towels immediately helps as well.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Chicken is one of those dishes that feels exciting yet comforting every time you make it. With its perfectly crispy chicken enveloped in a tangy, spicy sauce, it’s a dish that will quickly win a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to try it soon because nothing beats sharing this wonderful, flavor-packed meal with the people you love.

Dragon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Dragon Chicken is a flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce made with garlic, ginger, dried chilies, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and aroma, ideal as an appetizer or main course served with rice or noodles.

Instructions

Marinate and Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors and to help the coating adhere during frying.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying. Fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, remove excess oil leaving about a tablespoon. Add sesame oil and then sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Toss the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the spicy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Dragon Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optionally thin strips of fried onion or bell pepper for an added crunch. Serve immediately while hot with steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Notes

If preferred, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Adjust the number of dried red chilies or chili garlic sauce to control the heat level.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure ketchup does not contain gluten.
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point.
To make the dish less oily, drain fried chicken on paper towels thoroughly.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying and Sautéing
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese