Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that sizzles with flavor and looks as spectacular as it tastes, this Spicy Dragon Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender strips of chicken, lightly crisped and tossed in a glossy, sweet-hot dragon sauce, surrounded by vibrant bell peppers and a fragrant hint of ginger. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-level but is so achievable at home, perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself to a little culinary adventure. Whether you love a kick of heat or crave that perfect balance of savory and sweet, Spicy Dragon Chicken is ready to be your weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spicy Dragon Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list; every component plays a starring role in building layers of taste and texture. From the crispy chicken coating to the sticky, fiery sauce, each item is carefully chosen to create that irresistible blend of crunch, color, and zing.
- Chicken breast strips: The perfect blank canvas—juicy, tender, and quick to cook.
- Cornstarch: Essential for that crisp exterior; it helps the chicken fry up golden and light.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that wake up the chicken’s flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch cling and form a delicate crust.
- Vegetable oil: Great for stir-frying; it has a high smoke point and keeps everything sizzling.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness that balances the heat.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, sharp bite and gorgeous green flecks to the dish.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable savory depth that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Fresh ginger: A spicy, aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Crank up the heat if you’re feeling bold!
- Sesame seeds & extra green onions (optional): For garnish, crunch, and a final flourish.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of the dragon sauce—salty, umami, and deeply savory.
- Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sticky sweetness.
- Ketchup: Adds tanginess and extra body to the sauce.
- Sriracha: The fiery element—add more or less to suit your spice preference.
- Rice vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten and balance the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the flavors with mellow, caramel notes.
- Sesame oil: A few drops infuse the sauce with nutty, toasty aroma.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the dragon sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, even strips—think bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and soak up all the sauce. Toss the strips with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper so each piece gets a light, even dusting. Then, dip each one into the beaten egg. This double coating guarantees a crispy edge that holds up beautifully once it hits the pan.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the coated chicken strips, giving them space to sizzle and brown. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crisp. Set them aside on a plate—try not to munch too many pieces at this stage (it’s tempting, I know!).
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the red bell pepper, chopped green onions, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything smells irresistible and the veggies are vibrant but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Whisk and Simmer the Dragon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil—but hold off on the cornstarch slurry for now. Pour this mixture into your hot skillet and let it come to a gentle simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Bring it Together
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and watch as the sauce transforms, thickening to a gorgeous, glossy glaze in just a minute or two. Return your crispy chicken to the pan, tossing everything together so each piece is thoroughly coated in that signature spicy dragon sauce. Let it cook for a final minute or two to heat through, then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Spicy Dragon Chicken
Garnishes
For that final restaurant-worthy touch, shower your Spicy Dragon Chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of fresh sliced green onions. Not only do they add crunch and color, but they also give a little nutty and oniony lift that makes every bite pop. If you love extra heat, another dash of red pepper flakes on top never hurts.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely begs to be served over steaming jasmine rice or a tangle of noodles, both of which soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter option, try pairing it with cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. Steamed broccoli or snap peas also make a great side, adding freshness and more green to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving Spicy Dragon Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner, or pile it high on a platter with extra veggies for a family-style feast. If you have leftovers, roll them into a wrap with crunchy slaw for an incredible lunch the next day. However you serve it, this dish never fails to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Spicy Dragon Chicken to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors actually deepen a little as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the second time around.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Spicy Dragon Chicken, let it cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together, but if possible, leave out any garnishes until you reheat and serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Spicy Dragon Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. You can also microwave single portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Either way, the chicken remains tender and the sauce regains its perfect, sticky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for an extra-juicy result. Just trim any excess fat, slice into strips, and follow the recipe as written. The flavor will be just as delicious, if not more so.
How do I adjust the spice level in Spicy Dragon Chicken?
It’s super easy to tailor the heat: simply add more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amount, then taste and tweak before tossing the chicken in the final sauce.
Can I make Spicy Dragon Chicken gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety or use tamari, and double-check that your ketchup and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve over rice or gluten-free noodles for a worry-free meal.
What other proteins can I use in this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! This dish works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp, which cooks much faster than chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of Spicy Dragon Chicken?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or even cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them just as you would the chicken, then proceed with the rest of the recipe. The spicy dragon sauce pairs wonderfully with vegetarian options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings both excitement and comfort to the table, Spicy Dragon Chicken is it. With its bold flavors, eye-catching colors, and irresistible sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spicy Dragon Chicken is a flavorful and vibrant Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring crispy chicken strips tossed in a rich, sweet, and spicy dragon sauce made with soy, honey, sriracha, and fresh aromatics. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles, this recipe balances heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Dragon Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Dip each piece into the lightly beaten egg to help the coating adhere and create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Make the dragon sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the crispy chicken strips to the skillet and toss well to coat all pieces evenly in the spicy dragon sauce. Heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the Spicy Dragon Chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- For a juicier texture, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
- This recipe also works well with shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative for variation.
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
- Make sure to cook the chicken in batches to keep it crispy and avoid steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
