Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Dragon Chicken Recipe: Fiery & Flavorful Asian Delight

Spice enthusiasts have long celebrated the bold flavors of dragon chicken recipe that dance across taste buds with fiery intensity.

This delectable dish blends crispy textures with a tantalizing sauce that sparks culinary excitement.

Red chili peppers and secret spice blends create an unforgettable harmony of heat and flavor.

Tender chicken pieces absorb complex marinades that elevate every single bite.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style sensation with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.

The sizzling result promises a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Dragon Chicken

For Marinating Base:
  • Chicken Strips: Select fresh, tender chicken for maximum flavor absorption and juicy texture.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and helps tenderize the meat with its rich saltiness.
  • Cornflour, All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy coating that locks in moisture during frying.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning and brings out the chicken's natural taste.
For Sauce and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide intense, warm base notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
  • Dried Red Chilies: Introduce a spicy kick and vibrant color to the sauce.
  • Onions, Bell Pepper: Add crunch, sweetness, and nutritional depth to the stir-fry.
  • Soy Sauce: Reinforces the savory background of the dish.
  • Red Chili Sauce: Brings tangy heat and bright color to the sauce.
  • Tomato Ketchup: Adds sweetness and creates a glossy, rich sauce texture.
  • Honey (or Sugar): Balances spiciness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
  • Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
For Garnish and Serving:
  • Green Onions: Introduce fresh, sharp flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sesame Seeds: Add nutty crunch and authentic Asian-inspired finishing touch.

Cooking Equipment For Dragon Chicken

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients evenly.
  • Wok or deep frying pan: Perfect for frying chicken strips and preparing sauce.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing onions, bell peppers, and chopping green onions.
  • Sharp knife: Required for precise chopping and slicing of vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact quantities of sauces and seasonings.
  • Tongs or slotted spoon: Great for safely removing fried chicken from hot oil.
  • Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from fried chicken.

Easy Directions For Dragon Chicken

  • Chicken Marination

Massage chicken strips with a flavorful blend of sauces and spices, allowing the ingredients to mingle and infuse deeply for maximum taste explosion.

  • Crispy Golden Transformation

Carefully fry chicken pieces in hot oil, creating a crunchy exterior that locks in juicy tenderness. Drain excess oil to maintain perfect texture.

  • Aromatic Flavor Base

Sizzle garlic, ginger, and optional red chilies in a pan, releasing their intense fragrance. Introduce colorful onions and bell peppers, creating a vibrant culinary canvas.

  • Sauce Symphony

Blend tangy and sweet sauces into a harmonious mixture, letting them simmer and develop a rich, glossy consistency that will make taste buds dance.

  • Final Fusion

Gently fold crispy chicken into the luscious sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the mouthwatering glaze. Allow flavors to intertwine and celebrate.

  • Culinary Presentation

Sprinkle fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of elegance. Serve alongside steaming rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.

Tips To Make Dragon Chicken More Bold

  • Marination Magic: Let chicken marinate longer (30-45 minutes) for deeper flavor absorption and more tender meat.
  • Crunch Control: Use cornstarch and all-purpose flour mixture to achieve extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after coating with sauce.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Dial heat up or down by controlling red chili quantity – remove seeds for mild version or add extra for fiery experience.
  • Diet-Friendly Twists
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with almond flour or use cauliflower instead of chicken
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour alternatives
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before marinating and frying
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: If sauce becomes too thick, add small amounts of water or chicken broth to achieve perfect glossy texture that clings beautifully to crispy chicken pieces.

Serve Dragon Chicken With A Kick

  • Spicy Dragon Nest: Create a fiery bed of steamed jasmine rice underneath the chicken, allowing the vibrant sauce to drizzle and soak into each grain for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Asian Feast Companion: Pair the dragon chicken with crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetable sides to balance the dish's rich and spicy profile, adding refreshing texture and coolness.
  • Dinner Party Presentation: Serve the chicken in a large sharing platter garnished with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and thin chili slices for a dramatic, restaurant-style centerpiece that invites communal dining.
  • Weekend Comfort Combo: Complement the chicken with soft egg noodles or garlic fried rice, creating a hearty meal that satisfies comfort food cravings with an exciting dragon-inspired twist.

Store Dragon Chicken For Later Without Losing Flavor

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Dragon Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and food safety.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore crispy texture.
  • Freezing for Future Meals: Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce and meat to prevent sogginess. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Genius: Prepare chicken and sauce components separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store marinated chicken and premixed sauce in different containers. When ready to eat, quickly combine and cook for a fast, delicious weeknight dinner.
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Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Sizzling dragon chicken recipe brings fiery Sichuan flavors to your table. Peppery, spicy sauce coats tender chicken pieces with bold Chinese regional charm you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (17.6 oz) boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp red chili sauce or sriracha
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 23 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or green)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Oil, for frying
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marination: Blend soy sauce, cornflour, all-purpose flour, black pepper, and salt to create a robust marinade. Thoroughly coat chicken strips, allowing flavors to permeate for 15 minutes.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Fry marinated chicken in batches until achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
  3. Aromatic Base: Using the same pan, retain a tablespoon of oil. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and optional dried red chilies until fragrant. Quickly add sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until edges caramelize and vegetables soften.
  4. Sauce Creation: Combine soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, honey, and vinegar. Whisk vigorously, allowing the mixture to simmer and transform into a glossy, rich glaze.
  5. Final Fusion: Reunite crispy chicken with the vibrant sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Briefly cook to meld flavors and enhance overall taste profile.
  6. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Plate alongside steamed rice or delicate noodles for a complete, tantalizing meal experience.

Notes

  • Marinate Mindfully: Let chicken absorb marinade for exactly 15 minutes – not longer to prevent toughening meat texture.
  • Fry Strategically: Use medium-high heat and work in small batches to ensure each chicken piece gets crispy golden coating without becoming soggy.
  • Sauce Balance: Adjust sauce ingredients proportionally – too much chili sauce can overpower, while extra honey adds depth and glossy finish.
  • Temperature Control: Keep pan heat consistent when mixing chicken with sauce to prevent burning and maintain crisp chicken texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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