Spicy Dragon Chicken – A Quick & Easy Indo-Chinese Dinner Recipe

Spicy Dragon Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly excites the senses. The name alone promises something fiery, colorful, and deeply satisfying—and this recipe delivers exactly that. Rooted in the much-loved Indo-Chinese cooking tradition, Dragon Chicken brings together the comfort of familiar ingredients with the punchy flavors of soy, garlic, chili, and a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-special but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Across many households, Indo-Chinese recipes hold a special place. They are often associated with family celebrations, weekend treats, or evenings when everyone gathers around the table craving something a little different. Dragon Chicken stands out because it balances heat, tang, and savoriness beautifully. Crispy chicken strips are tossed in a glossy, spicy sauce with peppers and onions, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

What makes this recipe especially perfect for a quick dinner is how fast it comes together. With a little preparation and a hot pan, you can have a vibrant, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. It pairs wonderfully with fried rice, noodles, or even simple steamed rice, making it versatile enough for both weeknights and casual entertaining. Best of all, you can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste, keeping it friendly yet exciting.

This Spicy Dragon Chicken is cooked with respect for traditional flavors while keeping the method approachable for home cooks. No complicated techniques—just good ingredients, high heat, and a bit of love. Let’s bring the wok to life and create a dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.

Ingredients

For Marinating the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

For Frying

  • Oil, for shallow or deep frying

For the Dragon Sauce

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 2–3 dried red chilies, broken (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken stock

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Spring onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and add cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all pieces are evenly coated. Let this marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken strips in batches.
  3. Fry the chicken until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
  4. In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
  5. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they turn slightly translucent but still retain a bit of crunch.
  6. Toss in the green and red bell peppers and stir-fry on high heat for another 1–2 minutes. The vegetables should remain crisp and vibrant.
  7. Lower the heat slightly and add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the sauces into a glossy mixture.
  8. Pour in the water or chicken stock and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and slightly thicken.
  9. Add the fried chicken to the wok and toss quickly so each piece is well coated with the spicy dragon sauce.
  10. Increase the heat and stir-fry for another minute, ensuring everything is evenly combined and heated through.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more chili sauce for heat or a pinch of sugar for balance.
  12. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the bold flavors. 🔥🍗

Nutritional Information

Spicy Dragon Chicken is a protein-rich dish packed with flavor and color. The chicken provides essential protein, while the peppers and onions add freshness and a touch of natural sweetness. Though it’s a spicy and indulgent-style dish, making it at home allows you to control the oil, salt, and spice levels. Pairing it with steamed rice or whole-grain options can help balance the meal. Nutritional values may vary depending on cooking method and portion size.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: ~430 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!

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