Dragon Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings excitement to the table, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe for Dragon Chicken! This delightful blend of flavors is a wonderful mix of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. Trust me, once you try this Dragon Chicken, it’s bound to become a regular on your meal rotation!

This recipe not only satisfies those cravings for something flavorful but also offers a chance to customize the heat level to suit your taste buds. So whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice enthusiasts, everyone can enjoy their own version of this tasty dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With prep and cook time totaling just about 50 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of crispy chicken and vibrant veggies makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice levels easily! You can make it milder or kick up the heat according to your preference.
• Great Leftovers: This Dragon Chicken tastes even better the next day! Perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.
• Impressive Flavor: The bold flavors from the sauce will impress your guests, making it a great option for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this amazing Dragon Chicken, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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 the 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 (or 1/2 TBS balsamic + 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)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this Dragon Chicken recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. Alternatively, try tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to bulk up the dish and add color.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour for breading.
• Make it crispy: If you’re in the mood for an extra crunch, try baking the breaded chicken instead of pan-frying.

How to Make Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Start by whisking together the egg, soy sauce, and spices in a large bowl. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. Add your sliced chicken thighs and give everything a good mix until well coated. Allow it to marinate while you prepare your other ingredients—30 minutes is perfect but overnight works wonders too!

Step 2: Make Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together all your sauce ingredients until smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cornstarch dissolves completely; otherwise, you might end up with clumps in your final dish. Set this aside while you move on to coating and cooking the chicken.

Step 3: Bread Chicken

Grab a large freezer bag and combine flour, cornstarch, and chili powder. After marinating your chicken, remove excess marinade by dabbing with paper towels before placing it into the bag. Shake until each piece is well coated—this step gives that delicious crispy texture we all love!

Step 4: Cook

Heat some oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cooking in batches helps achieve that coveted crispiness without overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch until golden brown—approximately four minutes per side should do it! Don’t forget to place cooked pieces on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Toast Cashews

In a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat, toast your cashews until they’re golden in spots. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt quickly! Once done, set them aside; they’ll add a lovely crunch later.

Step 6: Stir Fry

Using that same skillet (no need to wash!), add a little more oil if necessary and toss in your onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry them just until they start softening—about two minutes is all you need. Now add grated ginger and minced garlic; this combination will create an incredible aroma!

Step 7: Add Sauce

Whisk that beautiful sauce again before adding it to your skillet. Bring everything to a simmer while stirring often; watch as it thickens beautifully in just about a minute!

Step 8: Combine

Finally, toss in your crispy chicken pieces along with toasted cashews. Mix everything together so each bite is bursting with flavor! Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot—remember, serving immediately keeps that crunch intact.

And there you have it—a mouthwatering Dragon Chicken ready to impress! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Dragon Chicken

Making Dragon Chicken can be a delightful adventure in your kitchen! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Marinate for flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.
• Coat evenly: When breading the chicken, make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the flour mixture. This not only adds flavor but also helps create that satisfying crispy texture.
• Oil temperature matters: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this prevents sogginess. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and browns quickly, you’re ready to go!
• Serve immediately: For maximum crunchiness, serve the Dragon Chicken right after cooking. If it sits too long, the crispy coating may soften.
• Customize the heat: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce according to your family’s preference. This makes it enjoyable for everyone!

How to Serve Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some ideas on how to serve this vibrant dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkling these on top adds a pleasant nutty flavor and a hint of crunch.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions not only add color but also a fresh bite that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Its subtle fragrance pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of Dragon Chicken.
• Ramen Noodle Salad: A refreshing salad with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to the spicy chicken and adds variety to your meal.
• Homemade Egg Rolls: These crispy delights filled with vegetables make for an excellent appetizer or side dish that balances out the heat of Dragon Chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of seasonal stir-fried veggies offers a colorful side that adds nutritional value while keeping things light and crisp.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress anyone at your table! Enjoy your delicious homemade Dragon Chicken experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dragon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or packing lunches, this dish holds its flavor and texture beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover Dragon Chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the chicken is cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the Dragon Chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This helps maintain crispiness.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but keep in mind that the chicken may lose some of its crunch.
• If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Dragon Chicken.

Can I make Dragon Chicken without frying?

Absolutely! You can bake the breaded chicken strips in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

What makes Dragon Chicken unique?

The combination of savory flavors from soy sauce and honey with the kick of Asian chili sauce truly sets Dragon Chicken apart. It’s a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy that will have everyone coming back for more!

Can I customize the heat level in my Dragon Chicken?

Yes! Simply adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Asian chili sauce according to your spice preference. You can also omit them altogether for a milder dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Dragon Chicken as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that bring everyone together. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every bite – happy cooking!