Quick and Easy Dragon Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Are you ready to spice up your dinner with a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Dragon Chicken is a crispy, tangy, and sweet stir-fry that will leave your taste buds craving more! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, Dragon Chicken offers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. It’s super easy to make and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes! The crispy chicken pieces, paired with vibrant veggies, are coated in a zesty sauce that’s just the right amount of kick.
If you’re craving something different from the usual chicken dishes, this one will definitely keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s full of bold flavors and delicious textures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful: The crispy chicken strips paired with the bold flavors make every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Perfect Balance: The spicy, sweet, and savory sauce gives Dragon Chicken its signature flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and store it for later, enjoying the deliciousness throughout the week.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course!
Required Kitchen Tools
- Deep Fryer or Skillet: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the chicken and the sauce.
- Pan/Wok: For sautéing the vegetables and combining everything together.
- Chopping Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, peppers, and other ingredients.
Ingredients for Dragon Chicken
For the Marinated Chicken:
- Boneless Chicken Strips – 250 gms
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- White Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
For the Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour (Maida) – 3 tbsp
- Cornflour – 2 tsp
- Baking Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- White Pepper Powder – 1 tsp
- Egg – 1
- Chilled Water – 4 tbsp
For the Sauce:
- Garlic (Chopped) – 8 cloves
- Dried Red Chilies (Halved) – 4 (8 halves)
- Red Onion (Thick Sliced) – 1 small (60 gms)
- Cashew Nuts (Halved and Fried) – 20 (40 halves)
- Green Bell Pepper (Julienned) – 1 small (60 gms)
- Red Bell Pepper (Julienned) – 1 small (60 gms)
- Red Chili Sauce – 2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce – 2 tsp
- Tomato Sauce – 2 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Salt – a pinch (1/8 tsp)
For Garnish:
- Spring Onion Greens (Chopped) – 1 tbsp
- White Sesame Seeds – 1/2 tsp
For Cooking:
- Water – 2 tbsp
- Oil – 2 tbsp + oil for deep frying
Variations for Dragon Chicken
- Add More Spice: For a spicier version, you can increase the number of dried red chilies or add a few slices of fresh green chilies to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option.
- Add Pineapple: Toss in a handful of diced pineapple to introduce a sweet and tangy flavor to balance the spiciness.
- Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, toss in some fried noodles or crispy rice crackers just before serving.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken strips. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with salt and white pepper powder. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Batter
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, white pepper powder, egg, and chilled water to make a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken strips evenly.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each marinated chicken strip into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken strips in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
5. Prepare the Sauce
In a pan or wok, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and dried red chilies, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. Next, add the red onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Combine the Sauce
To the sautéed vegetables, add the red chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.
7. Toss in the Chicken
Add the fried chicken strips into the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce and well-mixed.
8. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Dragon Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve Dragon Chicken
Dragon Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve it on its own with a dipping sauce on the side.
- With Rice: Serve it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- With Noodles: Pair with stir-fried noodles or lo-mein for a satisfying dinner.
- In Wraps: Wrap it in lettuce or tortillas with your favorite veggies for a fun and casual meal.
Storing Dragon Chicken
- Marinated Chicken: If you have extra marinated chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked Dragon Chicken: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet to maintain its crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Conclusion
Dragon Chicken is a perfect dish for spice lovers and anyone looking for a flavorful, crispy chicken recipe! With its bold sauce and crispy chicken, it’s a dish that will impress at any meal. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or paired with rice, it’s a versatile and exciting option for your next dinner.
Dragon Chicken FAQs
Can I make Dragon Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just toss it in the sauce and heat through.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of strips?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the frying time as needed.
How do I make Dragon Chicken less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of red chili sauce or skip the dried red chilies.
Can I freeze Dragon Chicken?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken for up to a month. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness before tossing it in the sauce.
