Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe: Fiery Flavors in Every Bite

Sizzling woks and vibrant spices come together in this dragon chicken recipe that promises an explosion of flavors.

The unique blend of ingredients sparks a culinary adventure on your plate.

Boldly seasoned and expertly crafted, this dish packs a punch of authentic Asian-inspired taste.

Tender chicken pieces dance with fiery seasonings, creating a meal that tantalizes every sense.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic you’ll create in your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and rich, complex flavors.

Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger with this incredible dragon chicken that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

What You’ll Need to Cook Dragon Chicken

• Large Bowl or Freezer Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken with egg and soy sauce.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for whisking sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Essential for dabbing excess marinade off chicken.
• Large Nonstick Skillet: Key for cooking breaded chicken and stir-frying vegetables.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Great for toasting cashews evenly.
• Whisk: Necessary for mixing marinade, sauce, and ensuring smooth consistency.
• Measuring Tablespoons: Helps accurately measure soy sauce and other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing chicken and preparing vegetables.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken while cooking and handling ingredients.

How to Prepare Spicy-Sweet Dragon Chicken

• Chicken Flavor Bath

Whip up a zesty marinade with egg, soy sauce, and secret spices. Let chicken soak and absorb all those delicious flavors for about 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more delectable it becomes.

• Crispy Coating Adventure

Create a crunchy armor for your chicken by mixing flour, cornstarch, and a dash of chili powder. Roll chicken pieces in this magical mixture, ensuring every nook gets covered in the tasty coating.

• Golden Sizzle

Heat oil in a skillet and transform chicken into crispy, golden treasures. Cook in batches, flipping midway to achieve that perfect crunch. Each piece should look like a sun-kissed delicacy.

• Nutty Roast

Quickly toast cashews in a dry pan until they develop toasty spots, releasing their rich, earthy aroma. Set aside these crunchy gems.

• Veggie Dance

Toss onions, bell peppers, ginger, and garlic into a hot pan. Let them sizzle and mingle, creating a fragrant base that promises incredible flavor.

• Sauce Symphony

Pour in your prepared sauce, watching it bubble and thicken. This is where magic happens – transforming simple ingredients into a glossy, mouthwatering coating.

• Final Fusion

Reunite chicken, cashews, and veggies in the pan. Stir until everything is perfectly glazed. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish.

Tips to Perfect the Dragon Chicken Sauce

• Boost chicken flavor by using buttermilk or yogurt instead of egg for extra tenderness and tangy depth.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to control spiciness – less for mild, more for adventurous palates who love bold flavors.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F, ensuring crispy chicken without greasy texture.
• Replace bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli to keep the dish exciting and nutritionally diverse.
• Prep breaded chicken and sauce separately, storing in refrigerator up to 24 hours, then quickly stir-fry when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

How to Serve Dragon Chicken for Best Flavor

• Serve with Steamed Rice: Fluffy white rice creates the perfect base for soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a comforting contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Pair with Crisp Vegetable Slaw: A light, tangy slaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the Dragon Chicken and creating a complete meal experience.
• Drizzle with Extra Sauce: Keep additional sauce on the side for diners who love extra flavor, allowing everyone to customize their plate and enjoy every last drop of the mouthwatering sauce.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or Thai basil can add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the overall taste and provides a beautiful green garnish.

Saving Dragon Chicken for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover Dragon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken separate from sauce to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for a quick future meal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy breading. Add a splash of oil for extra crunch.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken the night before for deeper flavor. Chop vegetables and toast cashews in advance to streamline cooking process.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Dragon Chicken Ingredient

• Egg: Helps tenderize and create a sticky coating for better breading adhesion.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps season the chicken thoroughly.
• Marinade Spices: Infuse the chicken with aromatic and complex taste profiles.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy exterior that seals in chicken's moisture.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle heat and vibrant color to the coating.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide fresh crunch and sweet underlying notes to the dish.
• Ginger, Garlic: Deliver authentic Asian-inspired aromatic foundation.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Cashews: Bring rich, buttery texture and nutty complexity to the final dish.

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating silky, glossy sauce with perfect thickening.
• Additional Sauce Ingredients: Balance sweet, tangy, and savory flavor dimensions.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add visual appeal and fresh, bright flavor contrast.
• Cooking Oils: Choose high smoke-point oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut for optimal frying.

Fiery Dragon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich Vietnamese dragon chicken recipe combines tangy marinade with crispy grilled meat, offering a bold fusion of flavors. Spicy, caramelized exterior and juicy interior make this dish perfect for weekend gatherings you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken thighs, sliced into ½-inch strips
• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 egg
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps oyster sauce
• 1.5–2 tbsps Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek)
• 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinkiang/Chinese black vinegar (may sub ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar + ½ tbsp rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• ½ tbsp chili powder
• 1.5 tsps cornstarch
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Marination: Whisk egg, soy sauce, and spices in a large bowl. Submerge chicken slices, ensuring complete coverage. Allow flavors to meld for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion.
2. Breading Preparation: Combine flour, cornstarch, and chili powder in a freezer bag. Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, then tumble into breading mixture. Shake vigorously to create an even, crisp coating that adheres completely to the meat.
3. Chicken Frying: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high temperature. Fry chicken in batches, rotating midway to achieve a uniformly golden, crispy exterior. Transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Nut Toasting: In a dry cast iron skillet, lightly toast cashews until delicately speckled. Remove and set aside.
5. Vegetable Sautéing: Using the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes. Introduce minced ginger and garlic, cooking briefly to release aromatic oils.
6. Sauce Development: Whisk sauce ingredients until cornstarch dissolves completely. Pour into skillet and simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Final Assembly: Reunite crispy chicken and toasted cashews in the skillet, gently coating with the glossy sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken absorb flavors by marinating at least 30 minutes, with overnight refrigeration yielding deeper taste profiles.
• Breading Technique: Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispy, even breading that adheres perfectly during frying.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat for golden, crisp exterior without burning chicken, cooking in small batches prevents overcrowding.
• Sauce Consistency Check: Continuously whisk sauce and stir while simmering to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, glossy coating that clings beautifully to chicken.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indo-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg