If you’re craving a dish that combines fiery heat with crispy, flavorful chicken, you are going to love making this Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe. Bursting with bold spices, colorful bell peppers, and a perfect tangy-sweet sauce, this dish will quickly become your go-to for dinner that feels like a celebration. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a spicy, savory punch, making it a standout recipe for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired flavors with a kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and purposefully chosen to build layers of texture, heat, and depth. Each one plays a vital role, from the crispy chicken coating to the aromatic sauce that blankets it all.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect bite-sized chunks.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons, divided): Infuses classic umami flavor both in the marinade and the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle tanginess to balance the heat and sweetness.
- Egg (1, lightly beaten): Helps the dry coating stick perfectly for maximum crispiness.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Creates a light, crispy crust essential for that satisfying crunch.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Combines with cornstarch for balanced texture in the batter.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhance the flavor of the chicken coating without overpowering.
- Oil for frying: Vital for deep frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons for sauce): Serves as the base for sautéing spices and vegetables.
- Dried red chilies (3–4 pieces): Bring smoky heat and visual appeal to the sauce.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Provides a warm, zesty undertone that balances the spice.
- Red and green bell peppers (¼ cup each, chopped): Offer vibrant color and a mild sweetness that cuts through the heat.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Contributes sweetness and tang, tying the sauce together beautifully.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon or more): The heart of the heat in this recipe — adjust for your spice tolerance.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a luscious, natural sweetness to balance the fiery chilies.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Delivers nutty richness and aroma for that final flavor flourish.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh and crunchy garnishes to elevate the finished dish.
How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the chicken pieces in a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lightly beaten egg. This simple marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with foundational umami and tang that will shine through once cooked. Letting the chicken sit even briefly enhances flavor absorption for crispy, succulent results.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. This dry mix is what creates the irresistible crunchy shell on the chicken after frying. Make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated to get that golden texture and seal in juiciness.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok, enough for deep frying. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches so they cook evenly without overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step is crucial for the signature crispy bite of the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and toss in dried red chilies, minced garlic, and ginger. Fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for an additional couple of minutes. This part builds the flavor foundation of the sauce with freshness and spice.
Step 5: Craft the Fiery Sauce
Next, stir in soy sauce, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld together, becoming rich, spicy, and slightly sweet — the perfect coat for the fried chicken.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring every bite is evenly coated. Cook for an additional minute so the sauce clings beautifully without losing the crunch.
How to Serve Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a fresh, nutty contrast to the fiery and savory chicken. These simple garnishes also bring delightful texture and a pop of color to your plate.
Side Dishes
Serve this spicy dish alongside fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every drop of that fantastic sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or some blanched greens, like bok choy, can offer a refreshing balance that calms the palate between spicy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps, allowing everyone to build their own spicy bites. You can also top it over a bed of fried rice or use it as a flavorful filling for steamed buns to impress guests with something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Spicy Dragon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy texture will soften slightly, but the flavors will deepen, making it perfect for a quick reheat the next day when you need a delicious meal fast.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce together to preserve that harmonious flavor, just thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore some of the chicken’s crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. A quick stir-fry in a little oil will bring this dish back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs provide a juicier texture that pairs wonderfully with the spicy sauce. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily make the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe milder by reducing the amount of chili garlic sauce or dried red chilies, or increase the spice by adding more chili garlic sauce or fresh chilies if you love heat.
Is deep frying necessary for this recipe?
Deep frying gives the chicken that signature crunchy crust, but if you want a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken coated in the flour mixture. The texture will differ slightly but still be tasty.
Can I make the sauce vegan-friendly?
To veganize the sauce, replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower, and swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free options. The sauce ingredients themselves are vegan-friendly.
What sides pair best with Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe?
Classic steamed jasmine rice or chow mein noodles are perfect, but crisp steamed vegetables or a light salad also complement the dish well, balancing the bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe that makes it a total crowd-pleaser every time. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears from the plate!
Print
Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Spicy Dragon Chicken is a fiery Indo-Chinese delight featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a flavorful sauce made with dried red chilies, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, soy sauce, and honey. This dish combines a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess, making it an exciting main course ideal for serving with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Dredging Mixture
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Frying Oil
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3–4 dried red chilies
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated and let it marinate briefly.
- Prepare Dredging Mix: In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture will give the chicken a crispy coating once fried.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the dry dredging mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating on all sides.
- Deep Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they turn golden and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Sauce Base: Using a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add dried red chilies, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to slightly soften but maintain crunch.
- Add Sauces and Sweetener: Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated evenly. Cook together for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your tolerance for heat.
- For extra crispiness, consider double-frying the chicken pieces: fry once, rest briefly, then fry again for a crisp exterior.
- Using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts can yield a juicier and more flavorful texture.
- Ensure the frying oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy chicken; too low, and the chicken will absorb excess oil.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice, as well as stir-fried noodles.
