Description
Spicy Dragon Chicken is a bold and fiery dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a vibrant, sticky sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and savoriness. Ideal for heat lovers, this recipe is simple to prepare, customizable in spice level, and delivers crispy textures paired with a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 cup)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons red chili paste or 2-3 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly in cornstarch to coat evenly; this will create a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic, ginger, and chili paste or chopped red chili. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss thoroughly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and fully coat the chicken with a glossy, spicy glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for freshness and added texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier meat.
- Adjust spice level gradually to suit your palate, starting mild then adding more chili if desired.
- Do not skip cornstarch—it is key for achieving the crispy texture.
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and chili for the best, most vibrant flavor.
- Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a lighter finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spicy chicken, dragon chicken, Asian chicken recipe, spicy stir-fry, crispy chicken, gluten-free chicken
