Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its bold, spicy, and savory flavors. This dish features crispy strips of chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, often with bell peppers, onions, and cashews, creating a flavorful explosion in every bite. It’s typically served as a main dish or appetizer in many Indo-Chinese restaurants and is loved for its fiery kick and mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. Dragon Chicken is an ideal dish for anyone who enjoys a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

What is Dragon Chicken?

Dragon Chicken is an Indo-Chinese fusion dish that combines the techniques of Chinese cooking with the flavors of Indian cuisine. The chicken is usually marinated, fried, and then stir-fried with a sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes honey or sugar for a touch of sweetness. The result is a dish that is crispy, saucy, spicy, and slightly sweet, creating a wonderful contrast of flavors.

Ingredients for Dragon Chicken

The ingredients for Dragon Chicken are simple yet pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornflour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for deep frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 2-3 dried red chilies (optional for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup cashews (for added crunch)
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Dragon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix everything well and let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated chicken strips in batches until golden brown and crispy.
2. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel to remove excess oil and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the dried red chilies (if using) and sliced onions, stir-frying until the onions turn translucent.
3. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy.
4. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir well to combine the ingredients into a flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken

1. Add the fried chicken strips to the pan with the sauce, tossing everything together to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Add the cashews for an extra layer of crunch, and stir everything for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once everything is well combined and heated through, garnish the Dragon Chicken with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Why You’ll Love Dragon Chicken

• Bold Flavors: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes Dragon Chicken an exciting and flavorful dish.
• Crispy Texture: The fried chicken strips add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the saucy vegetables and cashews.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its bold taste, Dragon Chicken is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: Dragon Chicken can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like rice or noodles.

Tips for Making the Best Dragon Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to seep in and helps the chicken stay juicy while frying.
• Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure it stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy from overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust Spice Level: You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or adding dried red chilies based on your preference.
• Serve Immediately: Dragon Chicken is best served hot, right after cooking, to maintain its crispy texture.

Variations

• Vegetarian Dragon Chicken: Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Dragon Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of strips for a fun twist, following the same steps for marination and sauce preparation.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas.

What to Serve with Dragon Chicken

Dragon Chicken pairs perfectly with many Indo-Chinese sides:

• Fried Rice: Serve with egg fried rice, vegetable fried rice, or even garlic rice for a complete meal.
• Noodles: Hakka noodles or stir-fried noodles complement the spicy, saucy chicken.
• Steamed Rice: For a simpler side, steamed jasmine or basmati rice balances out the bold flavors of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Chicken is a must-try dish for anyone who loves the fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Its crispy, saucy chicken strips and bold, spicy flavors make it an exciting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a party or as a main course for dinner, Dragon Chicken is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Try it out, and enjoy the flavorful kick of this Indo-Chinese delight.