Spicy Dragon Chicken
Spicy Dragon Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings a fiery kick to your dinner table. It’s packed with tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy, spicy sauce…
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Spicy Dragon Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings a fiery kick to your dinner table. It’s packed with tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy, spicy sauce that dances on your tongue. The lively heat from chili peppers mixed with a touch of sweetness makes this dish stand out and keeps you coming back for more.
I love making Spicy Dragon Chicken when I want something exciting but quick to throw together. The balance of spice and a hint of garlic and ginger gives it a real punch, but it’s never overwhelming. I often adjust the spice level depending on who I’m cooking for—sometimes extra hot, sometimes just a mild zing—and it always turns out great.
One of my favorite ways to serve this chicken is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some simple stir-fried veggies. It’s a fantastic meal for sharing because the crunchy, saucy bites invite everyone to dig in. Making this always reminds me of fun nights with friends where spicy food meant good times and lots of laughter around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless thighs for juiciness, but breast works if you prefer leaner meat. Cutting into bite-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Flour & Cornstarch: The combo creates a crispy coating. You can swap cornflour with potato starch for a similar crunch or all-purpose flour alone if needed.
Chili Garlic Sauce: It adds both heat and garlicky flavor. Use sriracha or any hot chili sauce as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
Hoisin Sauce & Rice Vinegar: These bring sweetness and tang. If you don’t have hoisin, try a mix of soy sauce and a little honey. Rice vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar.
Dried Red Chilies & Chili Flakes: They deepen the heat and add texture. Fresh chilies work too, but dried chilies give a smokier flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy Without Oil Soaking In?
The secret to crispy Spicy Dragon Chicken lies in the coating and frying technique. Here’s my favorite way:
- Marinate the chicken briefly to infuse flavor without adding moisture that sogginess might develop.
- Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for the coating; cornstarch helps crisp up the outside.
- Coat the chicken pieces well by dipping in egg first, then flour mix to create a sticky layer for crispiness.
- Heat your oil to medium-high before frying—too cool and the chicken will absorb oil; too hot and it burns.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady and pieces cook evenly.
- Once fried, drain well on paper towels but don’t cover immediately to avoid steam softening the crust.
Following these tips will give each piece a crisp shell that holds up well under the spicy sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or wok – great for frying chicken evenly and stir-frying the sauce ingredients.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating chicken and coating with the flour mix without making a mess.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – helps you safely handle and remove hot chicken from the oil.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil to keep the chicken crispy.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing chicken and vegetables quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version that absorbs the spicy sauce well.
- Add sliced onions or bamboo shoots for extra crunch and flavor contrast in the stir-fry.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top to add a nutty texture and taste.
- Use honey or brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper sweetness that balances the heat.
How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 spring onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro or coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, including marinating the chicken, and approximately 15 minutes for frying and cooking the sauce. So, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delicious Spicy Dragon Chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavorful spices.
2. Prepare the Coating:
Beat the egg in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Dip each marinated chicken piece first into the egg, then coat it well with the flour and cornstarch mixture. This gives a crispy texture once fried.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Make the Spicy Sauce:
In a clean wok or large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the dried red chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for 2 minutes, keeping them tender yet crisp.
Stir together chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, and water or chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the pan and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If you like extra heat, sprinkle in chili flakes now.
5. Combine and Serve:
Add the crispy fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss well, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful glaze. Drizzle a little sesame oil if using for a lovely aroma. Garnish with chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro for a fresh touch.
Serve the Spicy Dragon Chicken hot, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Spicy Dragon Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce and skip the chili flakes and dried red chilies. You can also remove the seeds from fresh chilies if using them.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken?
Absolutely! Coat the chicken as directed, then bake on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy. This is a healthier alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce saucy.
