Dragon Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch and is sure to impress, let me introduce you to Dragon Chicken! This vibrant recipe marries bold flavors with a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s become a family favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The beauty of Dragon Chicken lies in its customizable spice level, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Imagine sitting down to a plate of crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, surrounded by colorful bell peppers and crunchy cashews. This dish transforms any meal into an exciting experience, whether you serve it as an appetizer or as the star of your dinner. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer with homemade egg rolls or as a main course alongside jasmine rice – the possibilities are endless!
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds; it’s easy to make it milder or ramp up the heat!
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the chicken in advance and marinate it overnight for even deeper flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! Each item brings something special to the table (literally!), so be sure to have everything ready before you start.

For the Marinade

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp EACH ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper
• 1 pound chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

For Breading

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• Canola or vegetable oil for pan frying

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 1/2-2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek)
• 1 tablespoon Chinkiang/Chinese black vinegar (may sub 1/2 TBS balsamic vinegar + 1/2 TBS rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Stir-Frying

• 1 cup UNSALTED cashews
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

For Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions

Variations

One of the best parts about Dragon Chicken is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken thighs, try using chicken breast, tofu cubes for a vegetarian option, or even shrimp.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour for breading.
• Experiment with sauces: Try adding different sauces like hoisin or teriyaki for a unique spin!

How to Make Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together your egg, reduced sodium soy sauce, and all those flavorful spices in a large bowl or freezer bag. This step is crucial because marinating infuses the chicken with wonderful flavors. Once mixed well, add your sliced chicken thighs and give them a good toss until they are fully coated. Let this marinate while you prepare everything else—30 minutes is ideal!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients: low sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, oyster sauce, Asian chili sauce, Chinkiang vinegar (or substitute), toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth; this creates that signature tangy-sweet-spicy glaze that makes Dragon Chicken truly special.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to bread your marinated chicken! In another large freezer bag (I love using bags because they’re mess-free), mix together flour, cornstarch, and chili powder. Remove the chicken from its marinade—dabbing off excess with paper towels helps it crisp up nicely—and add it to your breading mixture. Shake well until each piece is coated; this step ensures that every bite has that delicious crunch.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat about ¼ cup of oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet—this is where all that crispy magic happens! Working in batches helps avoid overcrowding; cook each batch for about four minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set them aside on paper towels while you repeat with remaining pieces.

Step 5: Toast the Cashews

In a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat (no oil needed), toast those cashews until they’re beautifully golden brown in spots. Keep stirring so they don’t burn; once done, set them aside too!

Step 6: Stir Fry Veggies

In that same empty skillet (a little leftover flavor never hurts!), drizzle some oil over medium-high heat. Add your sliced onion and bell pepper first. Stir fry these beauties for about two minutes until they begin to soften. Then toss in fresh grated ginger and minced garlic—this will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 7: Add Sauce

Give your prepared sauce one last whisk before pouring it into the skillet with those sautéed veggies. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring often; within about a minute or so it’ll thicken up beautifully!

Step 8: Combine Everything

Finally! Add your crispy chicken back into the skillet along with those toasted cashews. Give everything a good stir so all those delicious flavors meld together perfectly! Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot right away.

With these steps complete, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Dragon Chicken—a dish that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Dragon Chicken

Making Dragon Chicken can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly!

• Marinate the chicken longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight—enhances the flavors and makes the meat more tender.
• Use a heavy skillet: A cast iron or nonstick skillet retains heat well, ensuring that your chicken cooks evenly and develops that perfect crispy texture without sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures it fries properly and stays crispy. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
• Recombine sauce before adding: The cornstarch can settle at the bottom of the bowl, so give it a good whisk before pouring it into the skillet. This ensures an even consistency throughout your sauce.
• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness: Dragon Chicken is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after cooking to maintain that irresistible crunch!

How to Serve Dragon Chicken

When it comes to serving Dragon Chicken, presentation and pairing are key to creating a memorable meal. Here are some ideas that will wow your family or guests!

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle these over your dish to add an appealing crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly sliced green onions lend brightness and color, enhancing both aesthetics and taste.

Side Dishes

• Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the bold flavors of Dragon Chicken beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
• Ramen Noodle Salad: A refreshing salad with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing pairs perfectly with this spicy dish, balancing out its heat.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while providing a mild contrast to the spiciness of the chicken.

With these serving ideas and garnishes, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that everyone will remember fondly! Enjoy your culinary adventure with Dragon Chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dragon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily store leftovers or even prepare components in advance for a quick weeknight dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Dragon Chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down completely before freezing.
• Place the Dragon Chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• You can also microwave it on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Dragon Chicken.

Can I customize the spiciness of Dragon Chicken?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Asian chili sauce to suit your heat preference. Feel free to start with less and add more as desired!

How do I make my Dragon Chicken crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure that you thoroughly coat the chicken strips in the breading mixture and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying. Cooking in batches will help them stay crispy!

Can Dragon Chicken be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready for a quick meal.

What can I serve with Dragon Chicken?

Dragon Chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodle salads. For a fun twist, serve it alongside homemade egg rolls!

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can substitute chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Follow the same marinating and cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian version!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Dragon Chicken recipe as delightful as I do! It’s packed with flavor and offers a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy notes that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, I encourage you to try making it at home. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!