This Dragon Chicken is a delightful dish that packs loads of flavor. It showcases tender chicken pieces tossed in a spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Your family will love the crispy chicken paired with soft vegetables.
Why You Will Love This Dragon Chicken
This dragon chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for quick and tasty meals. It’s simple, using everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, the prep and cooking times are quite short, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Everyone will enjoy the balanced flavors, and it’s a sure hit for picky eaters!
How to Make Dragon Chicken
Making dragon chicken is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start with marinating the chicken for a bit of flavor. Then, coat it in a crispy batter and fry until golden. Next, stir-fry your veggies and sauce to bring everything together. It’s all about mixing simple steps for a delicious meal.
What You Need
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup corn flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2-3 green chilies, sliced
- Spring onions for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix corn flour, all-purpose flour, and egg to create a batter.
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the batter and coat well.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and set aside.
- In another pan, add a little oil, sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and green chilies.
- Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and honey; stir to combine.
- Toss in the fried chicken pieces and mix well to coat them in the sauce.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with rice.
How to Serve Dragon Chicken
Serve your dragon chicken hot with a side of fluffy rice or noodles. You can also add a fresh salad for some crunch. Consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a light soup to balance the flavors. This meal is perfect for family dinners, get-togethers, or even for meal prep!
How to Store Dragon Chicken
To keep the dragon chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 2-3 days. If you wish to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and it will stay good for about a month. For reheating, simply warm it in a microwave or on the stove until steaming hot.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to marinate the chicken well for a tasty flavor.
- Fry in small batches for better crispiness.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
- You can add other veggies like carrots or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Smooth out the sauce by adding a splash of water if it gets too thick.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap chicken for tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a bit more fiber.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Add sesame seeds for extra crunch on top.
- Change up sauces by using teriyaki or sweet and sour for different flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the dragon chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in advance, even the night before. When you’re ready, just coat and fry the chicken, then finish with the sauce for hot and delicious results.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked dragon chicken. Once cooled, pack it in a freezer-safe container. For best results, it’s best to consume it within a month for optimal freshness.
How do I reheat dragon chicken?
To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot. If you prefer, you can reheat it on a stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of water to keep it from drying out.
What if I don’t have ginger-garlic paste?
You can substitute ginger-garlic paste with fresh minced ginger and garlic in equal amounts. Alternatively, pre-minced options from the store work well too.
How do I avoid soggy chicken?
Ensure you fry the chicken in hot oil until it’s golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches if you need to!
Dragon Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup corn flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
For Frying and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Vegetables
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2-3 green chilies, sliced
- Spring onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix corn flour, all-purpose flour, and egg to create a batter.
Frying
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the batter and coat well.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In another pan, add a little oil, sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and green chilies.
- Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and honey; stir to combine.
- Toss in the fried chicken pieces and mix well to coat them in the sauce.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with rice.
