Craving a flavorful and exciting appetizer that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Dragon Chicken, a vibrant Indo-Chinese dish that's bursting with flavor. This crispy, savory chicken is coated in a fiery yet sweet sauce, making it the perfect starter for any gathering or a delicious weeknight treat. The irresistible combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili creates a truly addictive experience. Forget bland appetizers; this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Dragon Chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The key lies in the perfectly balanced sauce and the crispy, golden-brown chicken. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Sieve
- Frying pan
- Stove
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thigh: 500g
- Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
- Black pepper powder: 1 tsp
- Light soy sauce: 1 tsp
- Vinegar: 1 tsp
- Egg: 1
- All-purpose flour: 1 tbsp
- Cornstarch: 2 tbsp
- Cooking oil
- Garlic: 4 tsp, finely chopped
- Dried red chilies: 3, roughly chopped
- Cashews: 101, whole or chopped
- Onion: 1/2, chopped into big pieces
- Capsicum (red, yellow, green): 1/2 each, sliced
- Green chili: 1, cut sideways
- Chili sauce: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp (light preferred)
- Tomato sauce: 3 tbsp
- Water: 1/2 cup (or more, as needed)
- Red food coloring: a pinch (optional)
- Spring onion greens: finely chopped
- White sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into long, thin strips. Remove fat, wash, and drain for 15 minutes.
- Marinate chicken with salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, egg, flour, and cornstarch. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan. Fry chicken in batches for 1.5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Step 3. Make the Sauce and Combine
- Heat oil in the same pan. Sauté garlic, chilies, and cashews for 1 minute.
- Add onion, capsicum, and green chili; sauté for 10 seconds.
- Add chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add fried chicken and spring onion greens. Toss for 1-2 minutes until well coated.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with extra capsicum (optional) and white sesame seeds.
- Serve hot.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Breast portion of chicken yields better strips than thigh.
- Adjust spice levels, sourness, and sweetness to your liking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without the chili flakes?
Absolutely! Omit the chili flakes for a milder, less spicy version. The other flavors will still shine through.
2. What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, though the texture might be slightly different.
This Dragon Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and exciting twist on a classic appetizer. From its vibrant flavors to its satisfying crunch, it's a dish that's both simple to make and impressive to serve. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your friends and family with this quick and tasty Indo-Chinese delight!