Name: Dragon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thigh strips; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 small red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small green bell pepper, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or cashews; Oil for frying

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Picture this: sizzling strips of golden chicken dancing in a vibrant sauce, bursting with the fiery kick of chili garlic and the tangy sweetness of ketchup. The aroma of garlic and ginger fills your kitchen, teasing your senses and building anticipation for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. This Dragon Chicken Recipe is the perfect way to bring bold, exotic flavors right to your dinner table with ease and a bit of a spicy punch.

Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken Recipe

Boldly Flavorful: Every bite delivers a delicious spicy and tangy harmony that makes this dish irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: Uses accessible pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and bell peppers—no exotic grocery hunt needed!
Family-Friendly: Perfectly balanced heat and sweetness make it a winner for weeknight dinners that everyone enjoys.
Impressive Texture: Crispy fried chicken strips coated in a luscious sauce create an amazing contrast that feels special yet homey.
Customizable Garnishes: Finish with sesame seeds or crunchy cashews, tailoring it to your favorite crunch and flavor.

Why This Dragon Chicken Recipe Works

This Dragon Chicken Recipe shines thanks to a smart method combining marinade and frying that keeps the chicken tender yet wonderfully crisp. The marinade uses a mix of soy sauce, egg, and a balanced coating of flour and cornstarch, which acts like a magic shield preserving moisture inside while the outsides fry golden. The sauce, bursting with chili garlic sauce, ketchup, and vinegar, simmers just right to cling to the chicken and peppers, offering a tangy spicy glaze. Sautéing garlic and ginger first builds a fragrant foundation that makes every bite pop. These thoughtful steps come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that satisfy deeply.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these vibrant, everyday ingredients that come alive in this Dragon Chicken Recipe, turning simple items into a bold culinary adventure.

1 lb chicken breast or thigh strips: The juicy star protein that crisps up beautifully.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: For that irresistible crispy coating.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the batter for frying.
1 large egg: Holds the marinade and coating together perfectly.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses umami deep into the chicken.
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce: The fiery heart of the sauce.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a touch of sweet tanginess.
1 tablespoon vinegar: Balances flavors with bright acidity.
1 tablespoon sugar: Smooths out the heat with a subtle sweetness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic and punchy flavor builder.
1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and depth.
1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Extra kick to amp up the spice.
1 small red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and crunch.
1 small green bell pepper, sliced: Offers bright color and texture contrast.
2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds or cashews: Optional crunchy topping to finish.
Oil for frying: Any neutral oil to get your chicken golden and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Chicken breast or thigh strips: Thighs yield juicier bites; breasts work leaner but blend equally well with the marinade.
Chili garlic sauce: Substitute with sambal oelek or a good-quality hot sauce if preferred.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar both complement the flavors beautifully.
Sesame seeds or cashews: Swap with slivered almonds or omit for a nut-free option.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Marinate well: Give the chicken at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors—the longer, the better.
Fry in batches: Avoid overloading the pan to keep the chicken crispy and avoid steaming.
Control the heat: Medium-high heat caramelizes the sauce ingredients beautifully without burning.
Fresh aromatics: Use fresh garlic and ginger for that intense fragrant punch that defines this dish.
Garnish at the end: Sprinkle sesame seeds or cashews just before serving for texture contrast.

How to Make Dragon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Here’s my secret: combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, egg, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour in a bowl—this combo helps the chicken soak up flavor and forms the perfect crispy crust during frying. Let this marinate for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the protein to tenderize and the coating to stick just right.

💡 Pro Tip: A longer marinating time means deeper flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Fry Chicken

While your marinade does its magic, heat oil in a pan to a shimmering temperature ideal for frying. Cook the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring they have plenty of space. Fry until each piece turns a mouthwatering golden brown, then drain them on paper towels—this keeps each bite perfectly crisp without excess oil.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the oil at a steady medium-high heat for crispiness without burning.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Now for the aroma bomb: in a clean pan, heat a little oil and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. This quick step releases their essential oils, creating the flavor base that gives Dragon Chicken its signature punch.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown too much or it will turn bitter—just until fragrant!

Step 4: Cook Peppers

Next, toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook them for a few minutes until they soften slightly but still hold a tender crunch. Their vibrant colors will brighten the plate and their natural sweetness balances the heat perfectly.

💡 Pro Tip: Think of the peppers as the refreshing counterpart to the spicy chicken; keep them lively.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce

Add in the chili garlic sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and red chili flakes to the softened peppers. Stir gently as the sauce bubbles and thickens, melding those spicy, tangy, and sweet notes together into a glaze that clings wonderfully to the chicken.

💡 Pro Tip: Letting the sauce simmer a bit concentrates the flavors and perfects the consistency.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now it’s time to reunite the crispy chicken with that luscious sauce. Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss everything until evenly coated. Cook for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken warms through and soaks up all that delicious sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the chicken coating but ensure even coverage.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling bright green onions and either sesame seeds or crunchy cashews over the top. Serve hot straight from the pan for the best texture, and watch your guests fall in love with this exciting yet comforting dish.

💡 Pro Tip: Garnishes add not just flavor but a beautiful visual contrast to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls to get your Dragon Chicken just right:

Overcrowding the pan: Crowded chicken steams instead of crisps, losing that signature crunch.
Skipping the marinade: This results in bland, dry chicken lacking flavor and moisture.
Burning the garlic: Garlic turns bitter quickly if overheated; sauté just until fragrant.
Overcooking peppers: They should be tender-crisp to balance texture, not mushy.
Adding chicken to sauce too early: Wait until the sauce is simmering before mixing to keep chicken crispy longer.
Neglecting garnish: Garnishes add visual appeal and textural contrast that’s worth the extra step.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve nailed the classic Dragon Chicken Recipe, bring your own twist to the table and keep your meals exciting!

Spicy Honey Dragon Chicken

Add a drizzle of honey just before tossing chicken in the sauce to introduce a sweet heat perfect for balancing chili kicks.

Cashew Crunch Dragon Chicken

Swap out sesame seeds for roasted cashews for an irresistible nutty crunch that elevates every bite.

Vegetable Medley Boost

Experiment by adding snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to the peppers for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.

Garlic Lover’s Dragon Chicken

Double the garlic quantity for those who adore that intense aromatic punch that fills the kitchen and the plate.

Soy-Free Dragon Chicken

Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for soy-sensitive eaters without losing flavor.

How to Serve Dragon Chicken Recipe

Large white serving plate filled with a generous portion of crispy, deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a shiny, rich, dark red chili sauce, garnished with fresh green coriander leaves, sliced red chili peppers, and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, arranged as a whole uncut dish, shot from a 3/4 angle on a white marble background with natural lighting, styled like a professional food magazine hero shot, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds or crunchy cashews for an inviting finish that adds texture and pops of green.

Side Dishes

Pair your Dragon Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or a light vegetable fried rice for a complete, satisfying meal. A side of sautéed bok choy or stir-fried snap peas complements the bold flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Dragon Chicken in a large sharing bowl garnished generously with green onions and nuts. For a festive touch, scatter some fresh cilantro leaves or serve with lime wedges to brighten flavors. Using a rustic wooden board or colorful platters brings out the vibrancy of this dish on your dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead to deepen flavors, keeping the chicken covered in the fridge. You can fry the chicken and prepare the sauce separately and then combine just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving the flavors while maintaining some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Dragon Chicken for up to 1 month. Separate the chicken and sauce before freezing for best results and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive some crispiness, or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce vibrant.

Expert Tips for Success

Use fresh chicken strips for even cooking and the best texture.
Maintain your oil temperature steady to achieve perfectly crispy chicken without sogginess.
Marinate long enough but avoid soaking too much to prevent mushiness.
Balance sauce flavors carefully—taste as you go to get spicy, sweet, and tangy just right.
Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned wok for even heat distribution during sauce simmering.
Keep vegetables slightly crunchy for textural contrast against the tender chicken.
Always garnish last to preserve freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Dragon Chicken Recipe without frying?

Yes! You can bake or air-fry the marinated chicken strips for a lighter version while still getting a nice texture, though frying gives the crispiest results.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The level of spice is moderate and balanced with sweetness. You can reduce or increase the chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.

Can I use other meats or tofu?

This recipe works well with chicken thighs or breasts. For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu can be substituted but expect a different texture and marinating time.

What’s a good substitute for chili garlic sauce?

Try sambal oelek, sriracha, or another hot chili sauce you enjoy; adjust quantities to match your desired heat and flavor.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?

Fry in batches without overcrowding, drain on paper towels, and add to the sauce just before serving to maintain crisp texture as much as possible.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to adapt this Dragon Chicken Recipe.

What rice pairs best with Dragon Chicken?

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice are excellent neutral bases that soak up the sauce and balance the bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Dragon Chicken Recipe is a vibrant feast for the senses that brings spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that effortlessly transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal, with crispy textures and bold tastes that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this recipe invites you to enjoy the excitement of bold Asian-inspired flavors right at home. So grab your skillet and savor the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet a touch of fiery love!

Dragon Chicken Recipe