Dragon Chicken Recipe With Spicy Tangy Indo Chinese Sauce

Name: Dragon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: – 250 grams boneless chicken breast (cut into thin strips); – ⅛ teaspoon sea salt for the marinade; – ½ tablespoon grated ginger (6 grams); – ½ tablespoon grated garlic (8 grams) or 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste; – 1 teaspoon red chili paste (made from 15 dried Kashmiri red chilies, about 20 grams, soaked in boiling water for 15-20 minutes and blended with fresh water to yield 4 tablespoons); – ½ teaspoon white or black pepper as an alternative to red chili paste; – 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; – 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari; – 1 small egg white (2 tablespoons); – 4 tablespoons cornstarch or rice flour (40 grams); – 2 tablespoons all-purpose or wheat flour (20 grams); – 2 to 3 tablespoons red chili paste for the sauce; – 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for the sauce; – 2½ tablespoons tomato sauce or 1½ tablespoons ketchup for the sauce; – 1 to 2 teaspoons vinegar (rice or apple cider) for the sauce; – 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup for the sauce; – ¼ cup hot water for the sauce; – 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in ⅓ cup water optional for thicker sauce; – 2 tablespoons oil for tempering; – 2 dried red chilies broken and partially deseeded for tempering; – ½ cup thinly sliced or diced onion (60 grams) for tempering; – 1 tablespoon sliced garlic (7 grams) for tempering; – 1 tablespoon chopped ginger (5 grams) for tempering; – 1 teaspoon finely chopped tender coriander stems optional for tempering; – ½ cup sliced bell pepper (60 grams) for tempering; – White part of 1 spring onion (20 grams) for tempering; – ¾ cup high smoke point oil for deep-frying; – ¼ to ½ cup roasted unsalted cashews (40 to 80 grams); – Spring onion greens for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken is a hit with home cooks looking for a quick and tasty meal that’s full of excitement. It’s easy to whip up in about 40 minutes, making it great for busy parents or students who need something fast without fuss. This dish brings together the best of Indian-Chinese flavors, with juicy strips of boneless chicken breast marinated and fried to perfection, then coated in a bright red sauce that adds a fun crunch from roasted cashews.

Beyond its speed, Dragon Chicken offers solid health perks. Each serving has around 360 calories, with 17 grams of protein to keep you full and energized. It’s packed with vitamins like 76 mg of vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, all while keeping things balanced with 23 grams of fat. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or watching your diet, this recipe is flexible enough to tweak for different needs, like using less oil for a lighter version.

What sets Dragon Chicken apart is its bold taste that mixes spicy, tangy, and nutty notes without overwhelming your palate. The vibrant red chili sauce gives it that eye-catching color and a heat that’s just right. It’s versatile too, so you can adapt it for vegan swaps or gluten-free options, making it a go-to for newlyweds hosting dinners or seniors wanting something simple yet special. If you’re into exploring new flavors, this dish will inspire you to try more Indo-Chinese chicken recipes like the ones on our site.

One thing that makes this recipe stand out is how it uses fresh ingredients like grated ginger and garlic in the marinade to boost the flavor without extra effort. For instance, home cooks can easily adjust the spice level, which is a big plus for families with varying tastes. Overall, it’s a fun way to bring people together around the table, just like I aim to do on my blog.

Reasons to Try It Today

Quick prep time of under 40 minutes for busy schedules.
Nutrient-rich with vitamins and protein for a healthy twist.
Easy swaps for dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free.
A unique blend of spices that creates a memorable meal.

As you dive into making this, remember it’s not just food it’s about creating those joyful moments. For more ideas on healthy chicken dishes, check out our stuffed chicken recipe that pairs well with bold flavors.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken
2. Essential Ingredients for Dragon Chicken
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Dragon Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Dragon Chicken
5. Mastering Dragon Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Dragon Chicken: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Chicken
8. Dragon Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Dragon Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Dragon Chicken shine, and this list covers everything you need based on the classic recipe. I’ll break it down into clear categories to help you shop and prepare with ease. Remember, precise measurements ensure the best results, so let’s get started with a structured list of all items required.

Main Ingredients

250 grams boneless chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
⅛ teaspoon sea salt (for the marinade)
½ tablespoon grated ginger (6 grams)
½ tablespoon grated garlic (8 grams) or 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili paste (made from 15 dried Kashmiri red chilies, about 20 grams, soaked in boiling water for 15-20 minutes and blended with fresh water to yield 4 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon white or black pepper (as an alternative to red chili paste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
1 small egg white (2 tablespoons)
4 tablespoons cornstarch or rice flour (40 grams)
2 tablespoons all-purpose or wheat flour (20 grams)
2 to 3 tablespoons red chili paste (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for the sauce)
2½ tablespoons tomato sauce or 1½ tablespoons ketchup (for the sauce)
1 to 2 teaspoons vinegar (rice or apple cider, for the sauce)
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup (for the sauce)
¼ cup hot water (for the sauce)
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in ⅓ cup water (optional, for thicker sauce)
2 tablespoons oil (for tempering)
2 dried red chilies (broken and partially deseeded, for tempering)
½ cup thinly sliced or diced onion (60 grams, for tempering)
1 tablespoon sliced garlic (7 grams, for tempering)
1 tablespoon chopped ginger (5 grams, for tempering)
1 teaspoon finely chopped tender coriander stems (optional, for tempering)
½ cup sliced bell pepper (60 grams, for tempering)
White part of 1 spring onion (20 grams, for tempering)
¾ cup high smoke point oil (for deep-frying)
¼ to ½ cup roasted unsalted cashews (40 to 80 grams)
Spring onion greens (for garnish)

Special Dietary Options

For those with specific needs, you can swap items like soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free. This keeps the dish accessible while holding onto that spicy tangy chicken essence.

Ingredient Category	Common Substitutes
Protein	Tofu or tempeh for vegan versions
Sauces	Tamari for soy sauce in gluten-free options
Sweeteners	Maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural twist

This list makes it simple to see exactly what you need, ensuring your Dragon Chicken turns out just right every time.

How to Prepare the Perfect Dragon Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through making Dragon Chicken with clear steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Start by prepping your ingredients to keep things smooth and fun. This Indo-Chinese style recipe takes about 40 minutes and results in crispy chicken tossed in a spicy tangy sauce.

Gathering and Marinating

First, cut 250 grams of boneless chicken breast into thin strips. Mix in the marinade: ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, ½ tablespoon grated ginger, ½ tablespoon grated garlic, 1 teaspoon red chili paste, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons egg white, 4 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons flour. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up all that flavor. For a lighter option, you could try baking these pieces later.

Preparing the Sauce and Tempering

Next, make the sauce by combining 2-3 tablespoons red chili paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2½ tablespoons tomato sauce, 1-2 teaspoons vinegar, 1-2 teaspoons sugar, and ¼ cup hot water. If you want it thicker, add 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed in ⅓ cup water. For more about health benefits of chicken in dishes like this, check out Health Benefits of Chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat ¾ cup of high smoke point oil in a deep pan and fry the marinated chicken for about 3 minutes until golden and crispy. In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and add 2 dried red chilies, ½ cup onion, 1 tablespoon sliced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon coriander stems, ½ cup bell pepper, and the white part of 1 spring onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes on high heat, then mix in the sauce and let it thicken.

Finishing Touches

Toss the fried chicken with the sauce and ¼-½ cup roasted cashews. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve right away. This step brings that balanced heat and bright color to life, perfect for a spicy chicken meal. For similar recipes, try our chicken breast recipes for more ideas.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Dragon Chicken

One of the best parts of Dragon Chicken is how easy it is to tweak for different diets. If you’re watching calories or have allergies, simple swaps keep the tangy chicken taste intact. For example, use tofu instead of chicken to make it vegan while keeping that crispy texture.

Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for plant-based options.
Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free needs.
Use a low-calorie sweetener like stevia in place of sugar.
Opt for zucchini or broccoli instead of bell pepper for more veggies.

These changes let you enjoy this easy Dragon Chicken recipe without missing a beat, ideal for busy professionals or baking enthusiasts exploring new flavors.

Mastering Dragon Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Techniques

To get the most out of Dragon Chicken, use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to lock in flavors from the ginger and garlic. If you want to experiment, add five-spice powder for a fresh twist on this Indo-Chinese chicken dish.

Flavor Ideas

Try smoky chipotle or orange zest to vary the sauce, making your spicy chicken even more unique. For a complete meal, pair it with sides like rice, as suggested in related recipes on sites like Indo-Chinese Recipes.

How to Store Dragon Chicken: Best Practices

Keeping your Dragon Chicken fresh is simple with the right steps. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to hold onto that crispy texture. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe bags and it can last about 2 months thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat on the stove with a bit of water to keep it moist.
Prep ingredients ahead for quick meals during the week.
Avoid microwaving fried parts too long to prevent sogginess.

This way, your tangy chicken stays delicious for leftovers, perfect for travelers or working pros.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Chicken

How can I make Dragon Chicken healthier without deep frying?

To make Dragon Chicken healthier, you can choose to air fry or bake the chicken instead of deep frying. For best results, dice the chicken into ¾ to 1-inch pieces rather than thin strips, as smaller pieces cook more evenly in the air fryer or oven. While the baked or air-fried chicken won’t be as crispy as the deep-fried version, the flavorful sauce still delivers great taste. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of chicken cut works best for Dragon Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for Dragon Chicken. Thighs offer more moisture and flavor, while breasts are leaner. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces about ¾ to 1 inch for even cooking and better sauce absorption. Avoid very thin strips, especially if you plan to bake or air fry, as they can dry out or cook unevenly.

Is Dragon Chicken traditionally spicy, and how can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, Dragon Chicken is typically known for its spicy flavor, often made with chili sauce or fresh chillies. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili paste or fresh chillies used in the recipe. You can also balance the spice by adding a small amount of sugar or honey to the sauce, which mellows the heat while maintaining flavor.

Can I prepare Dragon Chicken in advance and reheat it?

You can prepare the chicken ahead and store it separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce and chicken on the stove or microwave, then combine them. For best texture, avoid reheating fried chicken too long, as it may become less crispy.

What sides pair well with Dragon Chicken for a complete meal?

Dragon Chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce nicely. Stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can add freshness and balance the spiciness. Noodles or fried rice are also popular accompaniments that work well with this dish.

Dragon Chicken Recipe Indo-Chinese Style with Spicy Tangy Sauce