Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken: Quick Indo-Chinese Delight

When it comes to indulging in savory and spicy flavors, few dishes hit the spot quite like an passionately prepared Dragon Chicken. This quick Indo-Chinese delight has graced many weeknight dinners at my home, where its irresistible combination of crunch, heat, and umami ignites taste buds and lifts spirits, making it a go-to favorite for both families and foodies alike. Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a fiery yet satisfying sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but promises to impress on any dining table!

What Makes This Recipe Special

One of the standout features of this recipe is its unique blend of flavors and textures that create a memorable meal without a ton of fuss. It’s a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a lively gathering with friends and family. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements makes it universally appealing, and it’s budget-friendly as well, perfect for everyday cooking.

“I can’t believe how easy it was to make this at home! The flavors were incredible, and it tasted just as good as my favorite restaurant’s version!” — A Satisfied Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating your own Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken involves a few straightforward steps that anyone can master. First, prepare the chicken by coating it in a cornstarch mix that promises a crispy finish. Next, you’ll sauté aromatic garlic and ginger, unleash the heat with dried chilies, and combine it all in a vibrant sauce. The cooking sequence is designed for simplicity, allowing you to focus on the flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

What you’ll need

To craft this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Thighs add moisture!)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch (for that coveted crispy coating)
• 1 piece Egg White (enhances crispiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (essential for flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adds warmth)
• Vegetable Oil (such as canola or peanut oil; high smoke point is key)
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (for a nutty depth)
• 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced (fundamental flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced (adds warmth)
• 2-3 Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust per spice tolerance)
• 1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup (balances spices with sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for that umami punch)
• 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce (for an extra kick)
• 1 tablespoon Vinegar (adds tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
• Sliced Green Onions (for garnish)
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (enhances flavor)
• Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper (for crunch)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, egg white, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat and add sesame oil. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
5. Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and honey or sugar. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the fried chicken back to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fried onion or bell pepper strips.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your vibrant meal!

What to Serve It With

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Dragon Chicken with:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Stir-fried Vegetables: A colorful medley adds freshness and nutrition.
• Noodles: Serve over noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil for a delightful twist.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a fun, interactive meal, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken.

Best Way to Store Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain food safety. If you want to extend the life of your leftovers, consider freezing the chicken in a sealed container; it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Tips and Tricks

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy milder flavors, simply reduce the number of dried chilies or use sweet chili sauce instead.
• Make It Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the cornstarch mix a few hours before cooking for extra crispness!
• Try Different Sauces: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients for your taste preference—switch ketchup for a homemade sauce using tamarind or hoisin sauce for a unique flavor journey.

Creative Twists

Looking to spice things up? Consider these variations:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers and snap peas for added crunch and color.
• Switch Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.
• Regional Spices: Experiment with adding Indian spices like garam masala or cumin for a unique fusion flavor.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time and cook time for this recipe?

The total time for this recipe is around 30 minutes, including both preparation and cooking.

Can I use skin-on chicken?

Yes, while boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for a crispier texture, skin-on chicken can be used. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Is this recipe adaptable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store in portions for quick reheating throughout the week, keeping rice or veggies separate until serving.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to embrace your inner chef and whip up this fiery dish! Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken right at home.

Irresistibly Spicy Dragon Chicken

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a spicy and tangy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 piece Egg White
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Vegetable Oil
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
• 2–3 Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey
• 1/4 cup Water
• Sliced Green Onions
• Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper

---

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, egg white, salt, and black pepper. Toss in chicken until evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken and fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat and add sesame oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies until fragrant.
5. Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and honey or sugar. Mix until combined.
6. Add fried chicken back to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. If too thick, add a splash of water.
7. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fried onion or bell pepper strips.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the spice level by reducing dried chilies or using sweet chili sauce. Perfect for meal prep and easy to store for leftovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Indo-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: dragon chicken, spicy chicken, Indo-Chinese, quick dinner