Dragon Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. This restaurant-style recipe is easy to make at home and is perfect as a starter, evening snack, or side dish with fried rice and noodles. If you love spicy chicken recipes, Dragon Chicken is a must-try.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Marination: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For Marinating the Chicken
- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 2 tbsp maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Dragon Sauce
- 2 tbsp oil
- 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2 dried red chillies
- 2 green chillies, slit
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium capsicum, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp red chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp roasted cashew nuts
- Spring onion greens for garnishing
How to Marinate the Chicken
- Wash the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry.
- In a bowl, combine chicken, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, pepper powder, salt, corn flour, maida, and egg.
- Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Method
Step 1: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
- Fry the marinated chicken strips in batches over medium flame until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Dragon Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or pan.
- Add chopped garlic and ginger, then sauté until fragrant.
- Add dried red chillies and green chillies, stirring for a few seconds.
- Add sliced onions and capsicum. Stir-fry on high flame for 2–3 minutes so they remain slightly crunchy.
Step 3: Mix the Sauces
- Add tomato ketchup, red chilli sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and a little salt.
- Mix well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce.
- Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.
- Add roasted cashew nuts and mix gently.
- Garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Dragon Chicken tastes best with:
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Hakka Noodles
- Veg Fried Rice
- Garlic Noodles
It can also be enjoyed as a standalone starter.
Tips for Perfect Dragon Chicken
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicy and tender pieces.
- Fry the chicken on medium heat for a crispy texture.
- Stir-fry vegetables on high flame to keep them crunchy.
- Adjust the chilli sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Roasted cashew nuts add a delicious crunch and rich flavour.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while capsicum, onions, and garlic provide vitamins and antioxidants. Preparing Dragon Chicken at home lets you control the amount of oil and spice, making it a healthier alternative to restaurant versions.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Chicken is a delicious Indo-Chinese recipe that combines crispy fried chicken with a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It is easy to prepare at home and makes a perfect starter or side dish for family meals and special occasions. Try this simple restaurant-style Dragon Chicken recipe and enjoy its irresistible flavour with your favourite fried rice or noodles.
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