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Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 123 reviews

Spicy Dragon Chicken is a crispy, flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring thinly sliced chicken fried to golden perfection and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce made with garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and a blend of soy and chili sauces. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 23 dried red chilies or crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup water, to adjust sauce thickness

For the Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Fried onion or bell pepper strips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips for even cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the coating.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the marinated chicken in batches without overcrowding, cooking each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add sesame oil. Sauté minced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chilies for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: Add ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar (or honey) into the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add water if the sauce is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat well in the sauce. Simmer for an additional minute to let flavors meld.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving plate, sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional fried onion or bell pepper strips. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.

Notes

  • Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the number of dried chilies or red pepper flakes to control spice level.
  • Frying in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring crispiness.
  • Optional garnishes like fried onion or bell pepper strips add extra texture and color.
  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.

Keywords: Spicy Dragon Chicken, Indo-Chinese Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Stir Fry Chicken, Asian Fusion Dinner