Dragon Chicken is one of those dishes that just brings the heat and excitement to the table! This spicy and flavorful stir-fry hails from Asian cuisine and is a total crowd-pleaser. I’ll never forget the first time I tried it at a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant; the bold flavors exploded in my mouth, and I was hooked! It’s now a staple in my kitchen, especially for those busy weeknights when I need something quick and satisfying. Trust me, once you whip up this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s that good!
Ingredients for Dragon Chicken
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
How to Prepare Dragon Chicken
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this Dragon Chicken! It’s really quite simple and oh-so satisfying to whip up. Follow these steps for a spicy treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, we need to marinate our chicken. In a bowl, toss your cubed chicken breast with soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger-garlic paste, and cornflour. Make sure every piece is coated well—this is where the flavor starts to build! Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, an hour is even better. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more those bold flavors will penetrate!
Cooking the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to heat things up! Grab a large skillet or wok and add the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. You want that nice sear, so don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary!
Sautéing Vegetables
Next up, it’s time for the veggies! Add in the sliced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. I love how the colors pop in this dish! If you want extra flavor, you can toss in a pinch of salt while cooking the veggies.
Final Seasoning and Serving
Now, for the finishing touches! Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to taste—this really brings everything together. Serve your delicious Dragon Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some noodles. You won’t believe how quickly this spicy delight disappears!
Tips for Success
To make your Dragon Chicken truly outstanding, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to play around with the spice levels—if you love heat, throw in some extra chili sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a milder dish, just dial it back. Also, consider tossing in some extra veggies like snap peas or carrots for added crunch and nutrition; they complement the flavors beautifully! And remember, serving this dish over rice or noodles not only makes it filling but also soaks up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy the experience!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Dragon Chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and cooking methods, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also provides a good dose of protein, making it a satisfying option for your meal rotation!
FAQ About Dragon Chicken
Got questions about Dragon Chicken? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some of the most common ones you might have as you whip up this flavorful dish.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! If you love a good kick, feel free to add more chili sauce or even some diced fresh chilies. On the other hand, if you’re feeding little ones or prefer a milder taste, just reduce the chili sauce or omit it altogether. You can always add more heat at the table!
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you’re looking for a different protein, you can easily swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp. Just remember that cooking times may vary, especially for shrimp, so keep an eye on them until they’re perfectly cooked!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce. There are many great options available that taste just as good as the regular stuff. Your Dragon Chicken will be just as delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and you’re good to go!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots would all make excellent additions. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything stays tender and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Bold, spicy flavors that pack a punch in every bite
- Health-conscious ingredients, high in protein and gluten-free
- Customizable to suit your taste—add more veggies or adjust spice levels
- Great for meal prep, making delicious leftovers for lunch
This Dragon Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine while keeping it simple and nutritious!
Variations of Dragon Chicken
If you’re like me and love to keep things fresh in the kitchen, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Dragon Chicken! You can toss in different vegetables like crunchy broccoli, vibrant snap peas, or even shredded carrots for a pop of color and added nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the chili sauce for a tangy sweet and sour sauce for a totally different flavor profile. You could also add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty twist or sprinkle in some cashews or peanuts for a delightful crunch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Dragon Chicken is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This way, you’ll keep that delicious flavor and texture intact. Just add a splash of water or a tiny bit of oil if it looks too dry—voilà, just like new!
Print
Dragon Chicken: 5 Spicy Secrets to Make It Irresistible
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Dragon Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish made with chicken and a blend of sauces.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger-garlic paste, and cornflour for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
- Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté until tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili sauce.
- Serve with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Dragon Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Asian Cuisine