If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and packed with a delightful spicy kick, this Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe has got you covered. This dish brings together tender, golden-fried chicken strips enveloped in a luscious, tangy, and fiery sauce that will awaken your taste buds. Every bite bursts with a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that make it perfect for an exciting weeknight dinner or entertaining friends. Let me walk you through how to easily create this addictive Dragon Chicken dish that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding crunch and depth to balancing spicy, sweet, and tangy notes in the sauce. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into thin strips for quick, even cooking and perfect sauce absorption.
- 1 egg white: Helps the coating stick to the chicken, resulting in a crispy texture.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, crispy coating when fried.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory umami flavor to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 2 tbsp oil (for pan-frying): For crisping up the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp oil: Used for sautéing the aromatic vegetables.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and texture contrast in the sauce.
- ½ cup red and green bell peppers, thinly sliced: Adds color, crunch, and fresh flavor notes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Intensely aromatic, bringing warmth and depth.
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced: Offers a sharp, zesty brightness that complements the spice.
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Boosts the savory quality of the sauce further.
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce: The heart of the heat and bold flavor in this dish.
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar): Balances out the sweetness with a purposeful tang.
- 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste): Tames the spiciness just enough while enhancing overall flavor harmony.
- Water or broth, as needed: Adjusts the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color for garnishing.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Gives a subtle nutty crunch, elevating the dish’s visual appeal and texture.
How to Make Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken strips in egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. This simple mix not only seasons the chicken but also ensures that each strip will develop an irresistible crispiness when fried. Let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors seep in and the coating can adhere beautifully.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips and fry them until they turn golden and crispy, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside to maintain its crisp texture while you prepare the sauce and veggies.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pan, pour in 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain a bit of crunch. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking just until their wonderful aromas pop, creating a mouthwatering base for your sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Time to bring all the flavors together! Stir in the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Let this mixture come to a gentle bubble and watch it thicken slightly, creating that luscious sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up to your preference.
Step 5: Toss in the Chicken
Return the crispy chicken strips to the pan and carefully toss them in the sauce. Let the chicken cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat every strip evenly and gain a glossy, mouthwatering finish that promises an explosion of flavor in each bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve it piping hot over steaming rice or your favorite noodles for a complete, satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make a remarkable difference, both visually and flavor-wise. Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp bite while sesame seeds contribute a subtle nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce. These small finishing touches elevate the dish into something truly restaurant-quality at home.
Side Dishes
To balance the heat of this Dragon Chicken, consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice for comfort and soak-up-the-sauce potential. Alternatively, stir-fried noodles or crunchy Asian slaw work beautifully to add texture and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests even more? Serve the chicken in individual mini cast-iron skillets for rustic charm, or pile it onto a colorful platter garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with a small dipping bowl of extra chili garlic sauce for those who dare to add more heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty option.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened after refrigeration. Avoid overheating to maintain the chicken’s crispiness beneath that delicious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender alternative that pairs wonderfully with the sauce. Just slice them into thin strips like the breast and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy is this Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is medium but can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce used. You can add more for a fiery kick or less for a milder experience without compromising taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu or seitan, following the same marinating and cooking process. Just make sure to press the tofu well first to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Marinating with egg white and cornstarch gives the chicken a light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried. Using a hot pan and enough oil to shallow fry also helps achieve that golden exterior.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently and toss with freshly cooked chicken when you’re ready to serve for convenience without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want a dish that’s bold, exciting, and packed with irresistible flavor. Its perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy sauce, combined with crispy chicken and vibrant veggies, makes it a show-stopper at any table. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinners that friends and family rave about.
Print
Irresistibly Spicy & Saucy Dragon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This irresistibly spicy and saucy Dragon Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken strips tossed in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, ginger, ketchup, and chili garlic sauce, delivered with a perfect balance of heat and tanginess. A quick and delicious one-pan dish ideal for serving over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
- 2 tbsp oil (for pan-frying)
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup red and green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste)
- Water or broth, as needed
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar into the sautéed veggies. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to bubble and slightly thickens. Add water or broth as needed to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Toss the Chicken: Return the fried chicken strips back into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is enveloped in a glossy, saucy coating and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the Dragon Chicken from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if using. Serve hot accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and sugar according to your desired spice and sweetness level.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the chicken strips.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for more color and texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
