Dragon Chicken is an enticing and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Indo-Chinese cuisine. Known for its crispy texture, vibrant colors, and spicy-sweet sauce, Dragon Chicken is a favorite in restaurants and homes alike. This dish features succulent chicken strips marinated and fried to perfection, then tossed in a delectable sauce with a medley of vegetables. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold and exciting flavors.
Ingredients
To prepare Dragon Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 500 grams, boneless and cut into thin strips
- Marinade:
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- For Frying:
- Oil: for deep frying
- For the Sauce:
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
- Dry Red Chilies: 4-5, broken
- Cashew Nuts: 10-12, halved
- Onion: 1 large, cubed
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, cubed
- Spring Onions: 2, chopped
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Red Chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Cornflour: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- Salt: to taste
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
Preparation
- Marinating the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken strips in soy sauce, vinegar, ginger-garlic paste, cornflour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Frying the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, deep fry the marinated chicken strips until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Preparing the Sauce: In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and broken dry red chilies. Sauté until fragrant and slightly browned.
- Adding Cashew Nuts and Vegetables: Add the halved cashew nuts and stir-fry until they turn golden. Then, add the cubed onions, bell peppers, and spring onions. Stir-fry on high heat for a few minutes, keeping the vegetables crunchy.
- Creating the Sauce Base: Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, honey, and vinegar. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauces are well combined and bubbling.
- Thickening the Sauce: Pour in the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar.
- Combining Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken strips to the pan and toss them in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnishing: Garnish with additional chopped spring onions for a touch of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
Dragon Chicken is best enjoyed hot and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It can also be served as an appetizer or a side dish with other Indo-Chinese favorites like Hakka noodles, Manchurian, or fried rice. The dish’s combination of textures and flavors makes it a hit at parties and family gatherings.
Conclusion
Dragon Chicken is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings a fiery twist to Indo-Chinese cuisine. Its crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, and bold, spicy-sweet sauce make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special event or simply craving something flavorful, Dragon Chicken is sure to impress with its tantalizing taste and delightful presentation. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy the zesty, crunchy goodness of Dragon Chicken. is a delectable Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken strips tossed sauce