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Spicy Dragon Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 60 reviews

Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken is a quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich blend of garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and savory sauces to create a perfect appetizer or main course that satisfies both spice lovers and those seeking bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (choose thighs for added moisture and tenderness)
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch
  • 1 piece Egg White
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

For Frying

  • Vegetable Oil (canola or peanut oil recommended, for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
  • 2-3 Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup Tomato Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey
  • ¼ cup Water (as needed to loosen sauce)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Sliced Green Onions
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Combine the sliced chicken with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to achieve a crispy texture when fried.
  2. Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add sesame oil. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cook together for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Dragon Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness and added texture. Optionally, add thin strips of fried onion or bell pepper for extra crunch. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
  • Adjust the number of dried red chilies or red pepper flakes to control spice level.
  • Frying in small batches ensures crispiness; avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check ketchup labels.
  • Leftover Dragon Chicken can be reheated in a skillet but may lose some crispiness.