Name: Delicious Dragon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken (breasts or thighs), thinly sliced; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 egg white; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 2–3 dried red chilies (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes); ½ cup tomato ketchup; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar or honey; ¼ cup water (as needed); Salt, to taste; Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fried onion or bell pepper strips

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Dragon Chicken is your answer! This mouthwatering Indo-Chinese dish brings together crispy, perfectly fried chicken with a fiery, glossy sauce that packs a punch. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, coated in a velvety sauce that combines the heat of red chilies with the sweetness of ketchup and honey. It’s a flavor explosion that’s not only delicious but can be whipped up in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests without overwhelming yourself in the kitchen.

The beauty of Dragon Chicken lies in its versatility and bold flavors. From the moment you first take a bite, you’ll experience the delightful crunch of the chicken paired with a zesty sauce that leaves you craving more. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you don’t need to be a master chef to nail this dish. Your kitchen will be transformed into a vibrant eatery, serving up takeout-style flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can create this delectable dish right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken

Quick & Easy: This dish is simple enough to make any night of the week, with a total cooking time of under 30 minutes.
Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, ginger, and chilies creates an aromatic experience that is both delicious and comforting.
Perfect Texture: Crispy chicken in a glossy sauce gives a delightful contrast that will satisfy your craving for takeout.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the protein or add more vegetables to make it your own!
Serve it Your Way: Dragon Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even served in lettuce cups for a fresh twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking your Dragon Chicken, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. Make sure your workstation is clean and free of clutter to allow for a smooth cooking process. You’ll need a sharp knife for slicing the chicken into thin pieces, along with a cutting board. A large skillet or wok is ideal for frying the chicken and preparing the sauce as it allows for even cooking and ample space to toss the chicken in the sauce later on.

To keep the kitchen organized, prepare all your ingredients beforehand. Measure out the cornstarch, soy sauce, and other liquids in small bowls to speed up the cooking process. Have your frying oil ready and at the correct temperature before adding the chicken, as this ensures that it crisps up perfectly. Don’t forget to have paper towels on hand to drain excess oil from the fried chicken!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken (breasts or thighs), thinly sliced
¼ cup cornstarch
1 egg white
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
2–3 dried red chilies (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes)
½ cup tomato ketchup
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar or honey
¼ cup water (as needed)
Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fried onion or bell pepper strips

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with the egg white, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This mixture not only helps the chicken crisp up but also adds flavor. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the cornstarch to adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crunchy exterior once it’s fried.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Next, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want enough oil for frying, but not so much that it’s splattering everywhere. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken in batches. Fry the chicken for several minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides. After frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sesame oil. Once it’s heated, toss in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chilies. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. That’s when the magic happens! Add in the ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, sugar or honey, and a splash of water to the pan. Stir these ingredients together and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will create that glossy, enticing sauce that makes Dragon Chicken stand out.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the crispy fried chicken into the sauce, using tongs or a spatula to gently toss the chicken so it’s fully coated. Allow it to simmer for about one additional minute — this will help meld the flavors together and ensures every piece of chicken is deliciously sticky and mouthwatering.

Variations

Protein: Swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Both can be tossed in cornstarch and fried for a non-meat alternative.
Vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
Spices: Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of dried chilies. For a smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve the best crunch.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dragon Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a classic meal.
Pair it with stir-fried noodles for a more filling option.
For a fresh take, serve in lettuce cups topped with garnishes for a fun appetizer.

Tips

Marinating the chicken longer will improve flavor and tenderness.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Experiment with different garnishes like crushed peanuts or cilantro for a twist on presentation.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 per serving
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 1050mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

While fresh chicken is recommended for best results, you can use thawed frozen chicken. Just ensure to pat it dry before coating with cornstarch.

Is Dragon Chicken spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. By using fewer red chilies or opting for milder sauces, you can enjoy a less spicy version.

Can I make it in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine them just before serving.

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If sesame oil is unavailable, consider using olive oil or any neutral-flavored oil for frying, although it may lose the distinct flavor.

Conclusion

Dragon Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an adventure of flavors that can brighten any dinner table. With simplicity and a quick cooking time, this dish proves that you don’t need takeout to enjoy bold and exciting flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for the family, this dish will undoubtedly impress. We encourage you to experiment with the variations and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experiences and any tweaks you made in the comments below. Ready to dive into this taste sensation? Let’s cook!