Name: Dragon Chicken: Fiery & Flavorful Dish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced thin; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 egg white; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2–3 dried red chilies (or crushed red pepper flakes); ½ cup tomato ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar or honey; ¼ cup water (to loosen the sauce, if needed); Salt to taste; Sliced green onions; Toasted sesame seeds; Thin strips of fried onion or bell pepper for crunch

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Introduction

Dragon Chicken is a fiery and flavorful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a bold, tangy sauce. Perfect for spice lovers, this recipe is easy to make at home and pairs well with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

A close-up of a bowl with two layers: the bottom layer is white cooked rice with fluffy and slightly separated grains, filling the bowl fully. On top is a thick layer of glazed, crispy fried chicken pieces that are golden brown with a shiny sauce coating. Mixed in are thin slices of red chili peppers and long, pale yellow garlic slivers scattered among the chicken pieces. Small bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over everything. The bowl itself is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced thin
¼ cup cornstarch
1 egg white
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2–3 dried red chilies (or crushed red pepper flakes)
½ cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
¼ cup water (to loosen the sauce, if needed)
Salt to taste
Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, thin strips of fried onion or bell pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 5: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is coated and glossy. Simmer for another minute to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with hot steamed rice, noodles, or over crisp lettuce cups.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more dried chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the chili garlic sauce is gluten-free.
Try garnishing with crispy fried onions or thin bell pepper strips for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover Dragon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

This image shows a dish served in a white bowl, filled with a base layer of white rice that looks fluffy with some light golden spots. On top of the rice is a thick layer of sticky, glossy dark brown meat pieces coated with a rich sauce. The meat is garnished with small bits of chopped green onions and includes a few whole red chili peppers, adding contrast in color. The sauce gives the meat a shiny and slightly thick texture, making the dish look flavorful. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken and pat it dry before marinating to ensure it fries up crispy.

How spicy is Dragon Chicken?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chilies used. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer dried chilies or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.