Name: Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Oil (for frying); 450 grams Chicken Thigh (boneless, cut into 1/2 inch thickness strips); 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce; ½ – ¾ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper (crushed); 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (or cayenne); 1 ½ tablespoons Corn flour; 1 ½ tablespoons All Purpose Flour (maida); 1 Egg White; 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped Garlic; 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped Ginger; 1 ½ tablespoons Red Chilli Paste (can reduce to 2 teaspoon if you want less spicy); 1 cup Onion (cut into petals); ½ Green Capsicum (cut into 3/4th inch squares, approx 1/2 cup); ½ Red Capsicum (cut into 3/4th inch squares, approx 1/2 cup); ¼ cup Cashew Nuts; 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce; 2 teaspoons Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Ketchup; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper (crushed); 1 ½ teaspoon Corn Flour; 1/3 cup Water; 2 tablespoons Spring Onion Greens (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If you are craving an electrifying burst of flavors that dance on your palate, then this Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines crispy, marinated chicken thigh strips with a vibrant medley of spicy and tangy sauces, fresh vegetables, and crunchy cashews, creating a perfect harmony that tastes just like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a soul-satisfying meal, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with raw chicken pieces coated evenly in white flour. The chicken pieces are light pink beneath the fine white flour, creating a powdery, textured look. The pieces are of varied shapes and sizes, piled loosely in the bowl. In the background, there is a hint of a yellow liquid in a clear bowl on the left side and some chopped green onions in a small clear bowl on the bottom right corner. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the flour dust on the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe, you’ll want to gather some simple yet essential ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From tender chicken thighs to aromatic garlic and ginger, and of course, that fiery red chili paste, every component has a role in building a rich, multilayered flavor and irresistible texture.

Oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for crisping the chicken to golden perfection.
Chicken thigh (450 grams, boneless, cut into strips): Juicy and flavorful, thighs remain tender and juicy after frying.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Adds that classic umami depth and a slight salty kick to the marinade and sauce.
Salt (½ – ¾ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all parts of the dish evenly.
Pepper, crushed (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Gives subtle heat and pungency that elevates the flavor profile.
Kashmiri red chili powder (1 teaspoon): Offers vibrant color and mild warmth without overpowering the dish.
Corn flour (1½ tablespoons + 1½ teaspoons): Helps create the signature crispy crust and thickens the sauce nicely.
All-purpose flour (1½ tablespoons): Works alongside corn flour to develop the perfect crispiness on the chicken.
Egg white (1): Binds the flour mixture with the chicken, giving it that irresistible coating.
Garlic, finely chopped (1½ tablespoons): Introduces a fragrant, savory punch during the stir fry.
Ginger, finely chopped (1½ tablespoons): Adds warmth and zest, balancing the dish beautifully.
Red chili paste (1½ tablespoons): The heart of the heat and flavor in the sauce, adjustable to your spice preference.
Onion (1 cup, cut into petals): Provides sweetness and crunch, contrasting the tender chicken.
Green capsicum (½, cut into squares): Adds fresh, slightly bitter notes and vibrant green color.
Red capsicum (½, cut into squares): Brings a subtle sweetness and a gorgeous red hue.
Cashew nuts (¼ cup): Toasted to add buttery crunch and richness to every bite.
Vinegar (2 teaspoons): Provides a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Balances flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Water (⅓ cup): Helps the corn flour mixture create a silky sauce to coat the chicken.
Spring onion greens (2 tablespoons): Fresh, mild onion flavor that finishes the dish with a pop of color.

How to Make Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl to create a smooth, lump-free coating for the chicken. This step is crucial because the spices and flour work together to lock in moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and tender.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat enough oil in a frying pan or wok to shallow fry the chicken pieces. Carefully place the marinated chicken in the hot oil, frying them on medium-high heat until they achieve a golden brown crust, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. The result is a crispy exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside—exactly what Dragon Chicken is all about.

Step 3: Prepare for Stir Fry

Once the chicken is fried, drain most of the oil from the wok but retain 2 tablespoons for the stir-frying process. This oil will help sauté the aromatics and vegetables perfectly without making the dish greasy.

Step 4: Saute Aromatics

Turn the heat to high and toss in the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and red chili paste. Fry these fragrant ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until they start releasing their mouthwatering aroma. This quick stir adds depth and heat, forming the flavorful base of the sauce.

Step 5: Saute Vegetables and Nuts

Add the onion petals, green and red capsicum, and the cashew nuts to the wok. Sauté these together on high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This combination brings a lovely crunch, sweetness, and nutty richness that perfectly complements the spicy chicken.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauces

Next, add soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the wok. Mix corn flour with water separately to form a smooth slurry and pour it in. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables beautifully. Finally, return the fried chicken to the wok and toss everything together, allowing the pieces to soak up that luscious, sticky sauce. Garnish with fresh spring onion greens before serving.

How to Serve Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled with pieces of reddish-brown cooked chicken, mixed with roasted cashews that are light golden, and chopped bell peppers in green and red colors. There are also translucent cooked onion slices and small pieces of green herbs scattered on top. The chicken has a shiny, slightly sticky texture with some visible seeds and seasoning. A silver fork is resting on the right side of the bowl, touching the food. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some chopped green herbs and whole cashews in bowls nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh spring onion greens not only adds a splash of vivid green color but also a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering it. You could also consider a light dusting of sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the cashews.

Side Dishes

Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or buttery garlic naan to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of simple stir-fried greens or crunchy cucumber salad can add refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the dish over a bed of fried rice or inside warm lettuce cups for a finger-food experience. Another option is to plate it with colorful vegetable ribbons or spiralized zucchini, elevating the dish’s presentation while adding fresh textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Dragon Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days while retaining much of its original flavor and texture, making it an excellent choice for quick next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to keep the dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 1 month. When freezing, avoid the vegetables if you prefer to keep their texture crisp, as they may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight if frozen and warm it gently in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture as much as possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh for Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but since it is leaner, be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and richer flavor.

How spicy is this Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe?

The recipe offers a medium spice level, thanks to the chili paste and powder. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing the chili paste quantity or choosing milder chili powders.

Is it necessary to use both corn flour and all-purpose flour for frying?

Using both flours helps achieve a superior crispy coating. Corn flour gives a light crisp, while all-purpose flour adds structure and crunch, making the combination ideal.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the iconic flavor comes from the chicken, you can substitute paneer or tofu with similar marination and cooking steps for a vegetarian alternative that still delivers bold taste.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little more water gradually to reach your desired consistency. If too thin, cook the sauce a bit longer with the corn flour slurry to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into making this Restaurant Style Dragon Chicken Recipe—it’s a joy to cook and an even greater joy to eat. The blend of textures and bold flavors will have you craving it again and again. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress and satisfy with every bite. Happy cooking!