Dragon Chicken

Spicy Dragon Chicken

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If you’re craving a bold, crispy, and saucy chicken dish with a kick, Dragon Chicken is the perfect recipe to try! This Indo-Chinese favorite features tender, breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, tossed with crunchy cashews and vibrant bell peppers.

It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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In this article, we’ll walk you through:
✔ Step-by-step instructions for the crispiest Dragon Chicken
✔ Make-ahead tips for easy meal prep
✔ Storage & reheating tricks to maintain texture
✔ A customizable spice level to suit your taste

Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken Recipe

✅ Crispy yet saucy – The chicken stays crunchy even after coating in the rich, glossy sauce.
✅ Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, spicy, umami, and tangy in every bite.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Prep components ahead for a quick cook.
✅ Better than takeout – Fresh ingredients, no MSG, and fully customizable heat level.

Ingredients for Dragon Chicken

Quick Marinade

  • 1 egg (helps the breading stick)

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  • 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ tsp each ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper

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  • 1 lb chicken thighs, sliced into ½-inch strips (thighs stay juicier than breast)

Chicken Breading

  • ½ cup flour

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  • ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

  • ½ tbsp chili powder (adjust for spice)

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  • Canola or vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

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  • ¼ cup ketchup (for sweetness and tang)

  • 3 tbsp honey (balances the heat)

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  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (adds umami depth)

  • 1½–2 tbsp Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek) (adjust for spice)

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  • 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar (or sub: ½ tbsp balsamic + ½ tbsp rice vinegar)

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (for aroma)

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  • 1½ tsp cornstarch (thickens the sauce)

Stir-Fry

  • 1 cup unsalted cashews (for crunch)

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  • 1 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil

  • ½ white onion, thinly sliced

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  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

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  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish

  • Toasted sesame seeds

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  • Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl or freezer bag, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and spices.

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  • Add the chicken strips, coating well.

  • Marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

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2. Make the Sauce

  • Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

3. Bread the Chicken

  • In a large bag, mix flour, cornstarch, and chili powder.

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  • Remove chicken from marinade, pat off excess, then add to the breading bag.

  • Shake well, pressing the coating onto the chicken.

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4. Pan-Fry the Chicken

  • Heat ¼ cup oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Cook chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 4 minutes, flipping halfway.

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  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Toast the Cashews

  • In a dry skillet, toast cashews until golden. Remove and set aside.

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6. Stir-Fry Veggies & Aromatics

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same skillet.

  • Add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry for 2 minutes.

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  • Add ginger and garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Combine Everything

  • Whisk sauce again, then pour into the skillet.

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  • Simmer until thickened (1 minute).

  • Add chicken and cashews, tossing to coat.

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  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

8. Serve Immediately!

  • Best enjoyed right away for maximum crispiness.

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Expert Tips for the Best Dragon Chicken

🔥 Spice Control:

  • Mild: Reduce chili powder and Sambal Oelek.

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  • Extra Hot: Add 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns or extra cayenne.

🍗 For Extra Crispy Chicken:

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  • Double-fry the chicken (cook, rest, then fry again briefly).

  • Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.

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⏳ Meal Prep Shortcuts:

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

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  • Pre-mix sauce and breading a day ahead.

  • Chop veggies in advance for faster cooking.

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Love crispy textures? Try our Strawberry Kiss Cookies for a sweet contrast to this spicy dish!

How to Store & Reheat

Storage:

  • Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days (texture softens over time).

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Reheating:

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

  • Stovetop: Re-crisp in a hot skillet with a little oil.

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Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Serves: 4

  • Calories: 480

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  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbs: 38g

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  • Fat: 24g

Final Thoughts

This Dragon Chicken recipe delivers bold flavors, crispy texture, and restaurant-quality results—all in one pan! Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder version, this dish is highly customizable and sure to impress.

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Pro Tip: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried noodles for a complete meal.

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