If you love Asian dinners that taste like restaurant-style Chinese cooking, this Dragon Chicken recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s a bold spicy chicken dish tossed in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce, and it comes together fast, making it perfect for weeknights.
This is one of those chicken dinner recipes that looks fancy, tastes incredible, but stays simple enough for anyone to cook at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chicken
- Quick and easy, perfect for busy nights
- Sweet, spicy, sticky sauce (the best combo)
- A top pick if you’re exploring Asian cuisine and Asian dishes
- Great for meal prep and family dinner
- Works with rice or noodles
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Chicken
- 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 egg (optional, helps coating)
- 3 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Oil for frying (or shallow fry)
For the Dragon Chicken Sauce (Sweet & Spicy)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 to 2 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Stir-Fry Flavor
- 1 tbsp oil
- 5–6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 inch ginger, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup capsicum/bell pepper, sliced
- 2–3 green chilies (optional for extra heat)
- Spring onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken
Step 1: Prep the chicken coating
In a bowl, add chicken + salt + pepper + egg (optional).
Add cornstarch + flour and mix until the chicken is well coated.
Tip: For extra crispiness, let it rest 5–10 minutes before frying.
Step 2: Fry the chicken (crispy base)
Heat oil in a pan.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy
- Remove and place on paper towel
Alternative: You can also shallow fry or air fry if you want less oil.
Step 3: Make the sweet and spicy sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, honey/brown sugar, and water
Keep cornstarch slurry ready for thickening.
Step 4: Stir-fry aromatics
In a separate wok/pan, add 1 tbsp oil.
Add garlic + ginger and sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Add onion + capsicum and stir fry 1–2 minutes.
You want them slightly crunchy (that’s the best texture for Asian dishes).
Step 5: Combine sauce + thicken
Pour sauce mixture into the pan.
Simmer 1–2 minutes.
Add cornstarch slurry slowly and stir until the sauce becomes glossy and sticky.
Step 6: Toss the chicken
Add fried chicken into the sauce and toss well until every piece is coated.
Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Ideas (Best for Asian Dinners)
Dragon Chicken tastes amazing with:
- Steamed rice
- Egg fried rice
- Hakka noodles / chow mein
- Lettuce cups (for a lighter option)
This makes it a full-on chicken dinner recipes winner.
Tips for the Best Dragon Chicken
- Use chicken thighs if you want juicier results
- Don’t overcook the sauce; keep it glossy and sticky
- Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or extra green chilies
- Want it sweeter? Add a bit more honey/brown sugar
Storage & Reheating
- Store in fridge for 2–3 days
- Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen sauce
- Air fryer can help bring back some crispiness
FAQs
Is Dragon Chicken very spicy?
It can be. Just reduce chili sauce and green chilies for a milder version.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake/air fry the coated chicken until crisp, then toss in sauce.
What makes it “Dragon Chicken”?
It’s the combination of crispy chicken + hot-sweet sticky sauce + quick Chinese stir-fry style.
Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring Asian cuisine and want easy chicken dishes recipes, this Spicy Dragon Chicken is a must-try. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves spicy, saucy Asian dinners.
