Dragon Chicken
Crispy fried chicken strips tossed in a fiery, vibrant red sauce with crunchy cashews. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, making it an instant party favorite.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, white pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Batter and Coat Chicken
- b.To the marinated chicken, add the lightly beaten egg, 3 tbsp cornflour, and 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
- c.Mix well until the chicken strips are coated in a smooth, lump-free batter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deep-Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat oil for deep-frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully slide the battered chicken strips into the hot oil one by one, avoiding overcrowding. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Sauce Base
- b.In a separate large wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat.
- c.Add the cashew nuts and broken dried red chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until the cashews are light golden and the chilies are fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped ginger and garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
- e.Toss in the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, 1 tsp soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and 0.25 tsp salt. Stir to combine everything well.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the wok, stirring continuously.
- d.Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and turns glossy.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the fried chicken strips to the sauce in the wok.
- c.Toss everything together quickly but gently to coat the chicken completely without it becoming soggy.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes just before tossing in the sauce.
- 2Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). If it's too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if too hot, it will burn on the outside before cooking through.
- 3Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- 4Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and dried red chilies to customize the spice level to your preference.
- 5Have all your sauce ingredients and chopped vegetables ready before you start stir-frying, as the process is very quick.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 250g of paneer cubes, firm tofu, or large mushrooms. Coat and fry them in the same way.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Instead of deep-frying, coat the chicken and bake it on a wire rack in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. You can also use an air fryer.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or different colored bell peppers along with the onion and capsicum.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Simply omit the cashew nuts for a nut-free version. The dish will still be delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Metabolism Boost
The capsaicin found in the red chilies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may help in burning calories more efficiently.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashew nuts contribute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Energy Provider
The combination of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from the coating and sauces provides a quick source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Dragon Chicken contains approximately 480-550 calories, primarily due to the deep-fried chicken and sauces. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.