Name: Dragon Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade); Oil for deep frying; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 6-8 dried red chilies or 1 tbsp red chili paste; 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce); 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tbsp honey or sugar; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1/4 cup scallions, chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Dragon Chicken is the bold, spicy, and totally addictive Indo-Chinese dish you didn’t know you needed. Imagine crispy strips of chicken tossed in a fiery garlic chili sauce, then stir-fried with crunchy veggies and a kiss of sweetness. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—a true crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and comfort food seekers alike.

The glossy red sauce clings to each golden piece of chicken, delivering a fiery bite with a hint of sweet and tangy depth. Whether you’re planning a weekend dinner that impresses or craving your favorite takeout with a homemade twist, this Dragon Chicken is a must-cook. Get ready to turn up the heat!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating restaurant-style Dragon Chicken at home requires a few key tools to get that irresistible flavor and texture just right:

Wok or Deep Skillet: Crucial for high-heat stir-frying that keeps the chicken crispy while allowing the sauce to cling beautifully.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and prepping your sauces and coatings in advance.
Tongs or Chopsticks: These let you flip and stir the chicken without breaking the crispy coating.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for evenly slicing the chicken into thin strips and prepping vegetables like bell peppers and scallions.
Paper Towels: Helps to drain excess oil from the fried chicken, keeping it crispy instead of greasy.

Ingredients for the Dragon Chicken

Boneless Chicken Strips: The hero of this dish. Chicken breast or thigh strips fry up to crispy perfection and soak up the fiery sauce.

Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: This duo creates a crunchy coating when fried, giving the chicken its irresistible bite.
Egg: Acts as a binder in the marinade and helps the flour stick to the chicken.
Garlic & Ginger: The aromatic base for bold flavor in both the marinade and sauce.

Dried Red Chilies or Red Chili Paste: Bring the fiery dragon heat. Adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to both the chicken and sauce.
Tomato Ketchup: Balances the heat with sweet and tangy notes.

Honey or Sugar: A little sweetness balances the intense spice.
Vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the rich sauce.
Bell Peppers & Scallions: Stirred in at the end for color, crunch, and freshness.

Oil: Needed for deep frying and stir-frying. Neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best.

How To Make the Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips and mix in soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, egg, cornstarch, and flour. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Fry the marinated chicken strips in batches until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies until aromatic. Add soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, honey, and a splash of water. Stir and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, followed by sliced bell peppers and scallions. Toss quickly on high heat until everything is evenly coated and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with sesame seeds and more fresh scallions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with fried rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own as a flavorful appetizer.

How to Serve and Store Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken is best served hot and fresh, when the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is glossy and vibrant. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or garlic noodles for a complete meal. It also makes a flavorful appetizer on its own, especially for parties or game night.

For storing leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pan over medium heat to preserve texture—the microwave will soften the crispiness, but still keep the flavor punchy. Avoid freezing, as the coating tends to lose its signature crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for Dragon Chicken?

Both chicken breast and thigh meat work well. Breast offers lean texture, while thighs give a juicier bite.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the number of dried chilies or substitute with mild chili paste. You can also add more honey or ketchup to mellow the heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch and other condiments are labeled gluten-free. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?

Yes! While deep-frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake or air-fry the chicken at 400°F until golden, flipping halfway. The result will be lighter but still delicious.

What vegetables can I add?

Besides bell peppers and scallions, try snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn. Add them at the end to keep them crisp and vibrant.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry the same way before tossing in the sauce.

Want More Chicken Ideas with a Kick?

If you love the bold, spicy profile of this Dragon Chicken, you’ll want to check out these flavor-packed favorites from the Life With Olivia kitchen:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy delight with ranch flavor.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a no-fuss, slow-cooked classic.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a buttery, creamy Southern twist.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a pasta combo that never fails.
Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe if you love a hint of sweetness with your spice.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how spicy you made yours! Did you go for full-on fire or keep it tame? Have a variation with paneer or tofu? I’d love to hear your twists.

Your feedback and creativity help keep these recipes fresh and fun for everyone. Ask away if you’ve got questions—I’m here to help make your dinner a hit.

Dragon Chicken

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Dragon Chicken is a spicy Indo-Chinese favorite made with crispy fried chicken strips tossed in a bold garlic chili sauce, with colorful veggies and just a hint of sweetness. Perfect as a starter or paired with rice or noodles for a full meal.