Are you stuck in a food rut? We have all been there. You stare at the fridge and wonder what to cook. Finding new and exciting dinner ideas can feel like a chore sometimes.
But you do not have to settle for boring meals. If you crave bold flavors, this recipe is for you. It is one of the tastiest Asian Dinners you can make at home.
Meet Dragon Chicken. This dish is crispy, spicy, and coated in a sticky red sauce. It tastes just like your favorite restaurant order but costs much less.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It is one of those dinner ideas that comes together in about 30 minutes. You do not need hours to make something delicious.
The texture is incredible. The chicken stays crispy even after you toss it in the sauce. This is often hard to achieve with homemade Chicken Dinner Recipes.
You control the spice level. If you are cooking for kids, you can tone it down. If you love heat, you can add more chilies. It is versatile.
It uses simple pantry staples. You likely have most of these ingredients already. That makes it one of the most convenient Chicken Dishes Recipes to try.
Finally, it looks impressive. The bright red sauce and green onions pop on the plate. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this Dragon Chicken. We kept the list simple to ensure this remains one of your go to dinner ideas.
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (thighs recommended for moisture and tenderness)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 piece Egg White
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Vegetable Oil (canola or peanut recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
- 2 to 3 Dried Red Chilies or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or Honey
- 1/4 cup Water (as needed)
- Sliced Green Onions
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Thin Strips of Fried Onion or Bell Pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps. This is one of the easiest Asian Dishes you will ever make.
Step 1: Marinate The Chicken
First, slice your chicken into bite sized strips. Place them in a bowl. Add the egg white, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything well. You want every piece coated evenly. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Step 2: Fry Until Golden
Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet. Use medium to high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces carefully.
Fry them in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon. Place the pieces on paper towels to drain excess oil. They should look crunchy.
Step 3: Make The Sauce
Now for the flavor. In the same skillet, add the sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies.
Sauté these aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes. You will smell that amazing aroma typical of Chinese Cooking. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir everything together.
Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water. You want a glossy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Bring the fried chicken back to the skillet. Toss the pieces into the simmering sauce. Make sure every piece gets coated.
Let it simmer together for just another minute. This helps the flavors meld. The sauce should cling tightly to the chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. You can also add fried onion strips or bell peppers.
Serve immediately while it is hot. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you are in luck. This dish reheats reasonably well. It is great for lunch the next day.
Store the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust might soften slightly.
To reheat, use a skillet or an air fryer. A microwave works too, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Add a drop of water if the sauce is too thick.
We do not recommend freezing this dish. The cornstarch coating can get soggy when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Tips
Want the best results? Use chicken thighs. They have more flavor and stay moister than breasts. This is a secret to great Chicken Dinner meals.
Do not skip the marinating step. The egg white and cornstarch create that signature velvet texture. It protects the meat from the high heat.
Adjust the heat to your liking. If you prefer mild food, skip the dried chilies. The chili garlic sauce already adds a kick.
Prep everything before you start cooking. This is a fast process. Having your ingredients measured out makes it stress free.
Serve with jasmine rice or noodles. The extra sauce is delicious over plain rice. It makes for a complete meal.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple yet stunning dish to add to your collection of dinner ideas. It is quick, tasty, and budget friendly.
Making Asian Cooking at home does not have to be hard. You just need the right recipe. This one delivers on all fronts.
Next time you are wondering what to cook, remember this recipe. It beats ordering out every single time. Your family will thank you.
Give this Dragon Chicken a try tonight. Let us know how it turned out. We love hearing about your kitchen adventures.
FAQ
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a kick, but it is manageable. The sugar balances the heat. You can reduce the chili garlic sauce to make it milder.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, absolutely. Many Chicken Breast Recipes work well here. Just be careful not to overcook it so it stays juicy.
What makes it Dragon Chicken?
The name likely comes from the fiery red color and the spice. It is a popular dish in Indo Chinese cuisine.
Can I make this gluten free?
You can easily adapt it. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure your chili sauce and ketchup are certified gluten free.
Do I need a wok?
No, a regular skillet works fine. A wok is great for Asian Dishes, but a wide frying pan does the job perfectly.
What are other good dinner ideas?
If you like this, try other stir fry recipes. Quick Chicken Dinner Recipes are always a hit. Explore our site for more inspiration.
Dragon Chicken
This crispy, spicy Dragon Chicken is coated in a sticky red sauce, tasting just like your favorite restaurant dish but made easily at home in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice chicken into bite-sized strips. In a bowl, add chicken, egg white, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure juicy chicken.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add ketchup, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and sugar to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, aiming for a glossy consistency.
- Return fried chicken to the skillet and toss with the simmering sauce for another minute until well coated. Turn off heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Notes
Want the best results? Use chicken thighs. They have more flavor and stay moister than breasts.
Do not skip the marinating step. The egg white and cornstarch create that signature velvet texture. It protects the meat from the high heat.
Adjust the heat to your liking. If you prefer mild food, skip the dried chilies. The chili garlic sauce already adds a kick.
Prep everything before you start cooking. This is a fast process. Having your ingredients measured out makes it stress free.
Serve with jasmine rice or noodles. The extra sauce is delicious over plain rice. It makes for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best crispiness. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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