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Homemade Dragon Chicken recipe photo

Dragon Chicken

This Dragon Chicken is a flavor explosion! Crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a spicy sauce make it the perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste or grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste or grated garlic
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup unsalted cashews
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 dried red chilis
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste or grated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the egg, soy sauce, chili paste, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes to develop those incredible flavors.
  • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that crispy exterior.
  • In your wok or deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces. Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is around 350°F (175°C) for the best frying results.
  • Once the oil is hot, take each marinated chicken piece, dip it into the flour mixture, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and dried red chilis. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a crunch.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, low-sodium soy sauce, chili paste, garlic paste, ginger paste, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour this sauce into the pan with the sautéed vegetables, stirring until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the fried chicken back into the pan, tossing it well in the sauce and vegetable mix to ensure everything is evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle the unsalted cashews over the top for added crunch.
  • Serve your Dragon Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Wok or deep frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this prevents it from becoming soggy.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying; this can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
  • Let the chicken pieces rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil.