Looking for a bold and fiery dish that packs a flavorful punch? Dragon Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish known for its crispy texture, spicy-sweet flavor, and vibrant presentation. It’s the perfect appetizer or side for anyone who loves a good kick of heat with a tangy twist.
Let’s dive into how you can make restaurant-style Dragon Chicken at home in under 40 minutes!
📝 Ingredients
For marination:
- 300g boneless chicken (cut into thin strips)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped ginger
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 small onion, sliced
- ½ bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or green)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken strips, egg, soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger-garlic paste, cornflour, flour, and salt. Mix well so that each strip is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
CookWithKushal Tip: Always cut the chicken against the grain for juicier, more tender bites. And don’t skip the egg—it helps bind the coating and gives a crispy finish!
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Once hot, fry the marinated chicken strips in batches on medium-high heat until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
CookWithKushal Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to keep the coating crispy and avoid oil temperature drops.
Step 3: Prepare the Dragon Sauce
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Add dry red chilies, sliced onion, and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes on high heat to retain crunch.
Next, add soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and cook the sauce for 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined.
CookWithKushal Tip: If you like it saucier, add 2 tbsp of water mixed with 1 tsp of cornstarch to thicken it slightly.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Toss the fried chicken into the sauce and mix until well coated. Let it cook for a minute to absorb all the flavors.
Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with fried rice or as a party appetizer.
🥡 Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Appetizer: Serve as a starter for Indo-Chinese dinner nights.
- Wrap or Roll: Use in lettuce wraps or rolled in parathas for a fusion snack.
- Side with Rice: Pairs beautifully with vegetable fried rice or garlic noodles.
🍴 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick to prepare with easy ingredients
- Balances spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors
- Ideal for parties or family dinners
- Adds a restaurant-style flair to homemade meals
CookWithKushal Tip: Make a double batch—you’ll need it! Dragon Chicken disappears fast at gatherings and weekend dinners.