Dragon Chicken
Introduction
Dragon Chicken is a vibrant Indo-Chinese dish renowned for its bold flavors and irresistible textures. With tender strips of chicken enveloped in a crunchy coat, then tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce brimming with garlic, bell peppers, and a hint of sweetness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, Dragon Chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Dragon Chicken
What sets Dragon Chicken apart from typical stir-fries is its perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The crispy exterior of the chicken soaks up a glossy, aromatic sauce sharp with chilies, yet mellowed by a touch of honey or brown sugar. Bell peppers add freshness and crunch, while cashews give it a rich, nutty finish. This dish is not only a visual spectacle—it’s quickly cooked in a single pan, making dinner both delicious and effortless.
Crispy Chicken, Flavorful Sauce
Start by marinating thin chicken strips in a quick blend of soy sauce, ginger, and cornstarch for flavorful tenderness and a light, crisp coating. The sauce—a mix of chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness—is prepared while the chicken cooks, ensuring every bite is infused with well-balanced flavor. Lean into customization by adjusting spice levels or adding extra veggies to suit your preferences.
Assembling the Ultimate Dragon Chicken
Once the chicken is fried to golden perfection, it’s swiftly tossed in the spicy, sweet, and sticky sauce. Sautéed bell peppers and cashews are added for depth and crunch, making every mouthful a burst of flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a stunning, restaurant-style presentation.
Serving Suggestions for Dragon Chicken
Dragon Chicken is best served piping hot over a bed of steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Pair it with a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed greens for a complete meal. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of brightness, enhancing both the appearance and taste of this popular dish.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each serving of Dragon Chicken typically contains about 350-400 calories, depending on your exact ingredients and oil absorption. It’s a satisfying main course packed with protein and flavor, perfect for sharing.
Dragon Chicken (Recap)
Dragon Chicken’s medley of crispy chicken, aromatic sauce, and crunchy vegetables makes it the ultimate family favorite or dinner party stunner. Its simple, straightforward prep means big flavor with minimal fuss—a win for any cook.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken slices, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let stand for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, honey or brown sugar, vinegar, and water. Set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and cashews (if using) for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add onions and bell peppers; cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Toss and Finish: Return the fried chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything over high heat until well coated and glossy, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Weekly Meal Planning
Dragon Chicken is a versatile dish for your weekly meal rotation—delicious with rice, noodles, or a side salad. Save and schedule this recipe to automatically slot it into your meal plan and generate smart shopping lists to streamline your grocery run.
Planning Benefits:
- Aggregates ingredient quantities across all your saved recipes
- Organizes your list by supermarket aisle for efficient shopping
- Prevents forgotten ingredients and duplicate purchases
- Helps diversify your weekly menu with minimal effort
Pro tip: Schedule Dragon Chicken alongside other main dishes and sides to see exactly what you need, all in one consolidated shopping list—cutting down on food waste and guesswork.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Enjoy your homemade Dragon Chicken—a fiery, satisfying delight that’s guaranteed to spice up your dinner rotation!