Ingredients for Spicy Dragon Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: The essential protein, providing tender, juicy bites. Chicken thighs absorb flavor wonderfully and stay moist during high-heat cooking.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Creates that coveted crispy coating for the chicken, locking in moisture. It’s also crucial for thickening the fiery chili sauce.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for frying: High smoke point oil is crucial for achieving crispy chicken and stir-frying vegetables. Canola or grapeseed oil also work well.
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced: Adds a lovely crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color to the dragon chicken. A perfect contrast to the fiery sauce.
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, pungent aromatic base that mellows beautifully when cooked. Adds depth and texture to this spicy dragon chicken.
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced: The star flavor builder, infusing a warm, spicy freshness throughout the dish. Always use fresh ginger for the best results.
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: An indispensable aromatic, garlic complements the ginger beautifully, adding a pungent, savory depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The base of our savory sauce, providing umami and depth. Low-sodium allows better control over the final saltiness.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned): Adds a crucial tangy brightness to cut through the richness and spice. Look for unseasoned rice vinegar for best flavor.
• 3-4 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (e.g., Huy Fong): This is where the fiery kick comes from, making our dragon chicken truly spicy. Adjust to your desired heat level.
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Balances the heat and tang with a touch of sweetness and helps achieve a glossy sauce. Packed brown sugar is best.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Taste and adjust for perfect balance.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick, complementing the other spices. Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish): Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a garnish. Slice thinly for an elegant finish.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): A fantastic finishing touch, adding a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.

How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This initial prep ensures your Spicy Dragon Chicken gets wonderfully crispy when fried.

Mix Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and light brown sugar until thoroughly combined. This creates the essential fiery dragon sauce.

Fry Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Sauté Aromatics:

Drain excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add bell pepper, onion, minced ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Combine & Simmer:

Pour the prepared fiery dragon sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat your Spicy Dragon Chicken evenly.

Finish Dish:

Continue to simmer the Spicy Dragon Chicken for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully. Ensure every piece is wonderfully coated with the flavorful sauce.

Garnish & Serve:

Transfer the finished Spicy Dragon Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot for an ultimate weeknight dinner.

How to Store Spicy Dragon Chicken

To store leftover Spicy Dragon Chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long compromises safety; don’t do what I did and leave it on the counter overnight! Discard if you notice any off-smell or slimy texture, ensuring it’s safe to enjoy.

You can prep the chicken (coated in cornstarch) and mix the fiery sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator. Cook and combine fresh before serving for best results. When reheating, warm gently to maintain crispness.

What to Serve with Spicy Dragon Chicken

Serve your Spicy Dragon Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can pair it beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad to balance the heat. Enjoy every bite!

I personally love to serve this Spicy Dragon Chicken simply with steamed jasmine rice. The fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up all the delicious, fiery sauce. It creates a complete and incredibly satisfying meal that I always enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Spicy Dragon Chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it might be less tender and dry out faster. Chicken thighs are my preference because they stay juicier and more flavorful in this Spicy Dragon Chicken recipe. Be careful not to overcook the breast.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy when frying?

To prevent soggy chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, leading to a wonderfully crispy exterior, not steamed chicken. This was a mistake I often made early on.

→ Can I make this Spicy Dragon Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make your Spicy Dragon Chicken gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Also, double-check that your chili garlic sauce is certified gluten-free. Then, you’re all set to enjoy this delicious meal.

→ How long can I store leftover Spicy Dragon Chicken in the refrigerator?

Leftover Spicy Dragon Chicken stores well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I’ve learned not to leave it on the counter overnight! Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to best maintain its texture.

→ Can I make parts of this Spicy Dragon Chicken ahead of time to save time?

Yes, you can definitely prep ahead! You can coat the chicken in cornstarch and whisk together the fiery dragon sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook and combine fresh for the best results.