Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch and brings together bold flavors with an irresistible texture, the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This lively, Asian-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, all coated in a glossy, fiery sauce that clings beautifully to tender, golden-fried chicken strips. Whether you want to impress friends or spice up your weeknight dinners, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for exciting, comfort-filled meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create a tantalizing dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp chicken coating to the bright, flavorful sauce that brings the spicy dragon to life.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender chicken strips that soak up the sauce perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for creating a light, crispy coating on the chicken that locks in moisture.
• 1 egg (beaten): Helps the cornstarch stick evenly, giving the chicken a beautiful crust.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the chicken seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons oil (for frying): Key for achieving that perfect, golden sear without greasiness.
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Delivers vibrant color and a sweet crunch that complements the spicy sauce.
• 1 green onion (chopped): Adds freshness and a mild bite for garnish and flavor contrast.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a nutty aroma and visual appeal.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides savory umami depth that balances the honey’s sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Infuses the sauce with a rich, caramelized sweetness that melts the heat.
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce: The heart of the dish’s fiery character—adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds a subtle tomato sweetness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a touch of zing to balance all flavors.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced): Builds a fragrant foundation that supports the spicy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a luscious, glaze-like finish.

How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken into even strips to ensure they cook uniformly. In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with cornstarch, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until every piece is fully coated, which will give you the perfect crispy texture when frying. It’s this initial step that guarantees that delightful crunch that contrasts the rich sauce later on.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing each strip to crisp evenly. Cook each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps your chicken crispy and not greasy.

Step 3: Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pan, carefully remove most of the oil, leaving only a small amount for sautéing. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—the aroma will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting instantly. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens slightly but still retains a nice crunch to bring freshness and texture diversity.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Dragon Sauce

Whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, and ketchup in a small bowl. Pour this flavorful concoction into the pan with vegetables and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens to a glossy, luscious consistency that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return your fried chicken to the pan and toss it well to coat each strip generously with the spicy, sweet sauce. Let it cook for another minute to warm through and marry all those bold flavors. This final toss ensures every bite bursts with that signature taste of the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe that you’ll love.

How to Serve Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

To add a visually appealing and flavor-boosting finish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and a light dusting of sesame seeds over the top. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and bring textural contrast that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

The Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the spicy sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try serving it with Asian-style noodles or crisp lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas also complement the dish beautifully by adding a bit of green and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this vibrant chicken in mini lettuce cups for a fun finger-food style meal at parties. You can also plate it over a bed of rice noodles with fresh herbs and lime wedges on the side for a restaurant-quality presentation. For a casual family dinner, heap it onto a large platter and let everyone dig right in, enjoying the communal feel of sharing this spicy delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe will remain tasty and fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or quick re-heats during busy weekdays.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Spicy Dragon Chicken maintains its flavor and texture well for up to 2 months, making it incredibly convenient for future meals.

Reheating

For the best results, thaw frozen Spicy Dragon Chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, restoring the crispy chicken texture as much as possible. Microwaving works too, but be aware it might soften the coating slightly. Adding a quick final toss in the pan can revive some of the original crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in the Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe because they remain juicy and tender even after frying. Their slightly richer flavor adds depth, making the dish even more delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends mainly on how much sriracha or chili garlic sauce you use. You can start with less and adjust according to your taste buds, making it as mild or fiery as you prefer.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat them in the same way and fry until crisp, then toss in the spicy dragon sauce. It’s equally satisfying and full of flavor.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a quick substitute. Just use a little less since they tend to be more acidic, and adjust to taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your other ingredients like ketchup and chili sauce are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the secrets to making the dazzling Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe, it’s time to dive in and enjoy cooking something that feels both special and satisfying. This dish promises vibrant flavors and textures that are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to have it on their plate. So grab your ingredients, turn up the heat, and treat yourself to a meal full of fiery goodness and heartwarming comfort.

Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 33 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Spicy Dragon Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. Quick to prepare and cook, this stir-fry combines tender chicken with bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and a delicious homemade sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil, for frying

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken coating: In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with cornstarch, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated, ensuring each piece is well covered for a crispy texture.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, so they cook evenly without overcrowding, for about 4 to 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Carefully remove excess oil from the pan, leaving a little for flavor. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sriracha, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer, stirring gently.
5. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat everything through and marry the flavors.
7. Serve and garnish: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
• Serve this dish over steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps to complete the meal.
• Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the egg and cornstarch mixture for maximum crispiness.
• Frying in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps keep the chicken crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired