Spicy Dragon Chicken
Spicy Dragon Chicken is a fiery and flavorful dish that packs a punch with tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s full of bold flavors like garlic,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Spicy Dragon Chicken is a fiery and flavorful dish that packs a punch with tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s full of bold flavors like garlic, chili, and a hint of sweetness that really wake up your taste buds. The crispy exterior of the chicken adds a great texture that makes every bite exciting.
I love making Spicy Dragon Chicken when I want something that’s both satisfying and a little adventurous. The heat level is just right for me—not too overwhelming but enough to keep things lively. One of my favorite tricks is to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra fresh pop of flavor and color.
This dish is perfect served over steamed rice or alongside some crunchy vegetables. I often invite friends over just to share this with them because it always gets rave reviews. Plus, the leftovers make a great lunch the next day if there’s any left—that spicy sauce keeps everything tasty and exciting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Dried Red Chilies: These add great heat and a smoky flavor. If you want less spice, reduce the amount or swap with crushed red pepper flakes.
Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: These bring a salty and slightly sweet depth. Use tamari for gluten-free, and if hoisin isn’t available, try a mix of soy sauce and a little honey.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Balances the heat with sweetness. Maple syrup or agave syrup can also work nicely.
Sesame Seeds & Oil: They add nuttiness and aroma. Toasted sesame oil gives a stronger flavor, so use sparingly!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken just right is key here. Follow these tips for juicy pieces:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown better.
- Cook in a hot pan with enough oil to sear the chicken; don’t crowd the pan.
- Cook over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken once done, then add it back to the sauce at the end to avoid overcooking.
This way, the chicken stays tender with a nice crust, and it soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly without drying out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for stir-frying chicken and cooking the sauce evenly.
- Sharp knife – helps you cut the chicken and slice onions quickly and cleanly.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace organized while prepping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – for adding sauces and spices accurately to balance flavors.
- Mixing bowl – handy for tossing chicken with cornstarch or marinating.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for stirring without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh to make a vegetarian-friendly version full of protein.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for a crunchy, colorful veggie boost.
- Use honey mustard instead of hoisin for a tangier, slightly sweet sauce twist.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews before serving for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Spicy Dragon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 6-8 whole red dried chilies (adjust based on heat preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine or white rice, to serve
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking, making it ready in around 25 minutes total—quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté until they start to soften and get a little brown, about 3-4 minutes. Add the dried red chilies, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Make the Sauce and Finish the Dish:
Mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the onions and chilies and stir everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors blend. Then, return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat it all with the sauce. Stir while adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce a little. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and sticks to the chicken. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle the black and white sesame seeds on top, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve hot with steamed jasmine or white rice, and enjoy the bold, spicy taste!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Spicy Dragon Chicken?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice crispy texture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make it milder, reduce the number of dried red chilies or remove the seeds before cooking. For extra heat, add more chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper or extra chili garlic sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm on low heat and stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking or drying out.
