Dragon Chicken

In the realm of culinary exploration, there lies a dish so vibrant and bursting with flavor, it’s as if it breathes fire upon your palate, igniting a passion for taste that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable. This dish, known as Dragon Chicken, is not just a meal; it’s an adventure on a plate, promising to transport you to a world where spices dance and flavors roar. Today, I’m thrilled to guide you through the creation of this spicy delight, a recipe that’s both a joy to make and a pleasure to savor.

Ingredients to Unleash the Dragon

Quick Marinade:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper
• 1 pound chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

For the Breading:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• Canola or vegetable oil, for pan-frying

Sauce to Enchant:

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 1/2-2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek)
• 1 tablespoon Chinkiang/Chinese black vinegar (or substitute with a mix of balsamic and rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Stir Fry Components:

• 1 cup UNSALTED cashews
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions

The Dragon’s Method: Crafting Your Dish

Marinate the Chicken: Begin by whisking the egg, soy sauce, and all the marinade spices together in a large bowl. Add the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s well coated with the marinade. Let it sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients, ideally for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for a deeper infusion of flavors.

Prepare the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This concoction is the heart of the dish, offering a rich, complex flavor profile.

Breading the Chicken: Combine the breading ingredients in a large bag. Drain the chicken from the marinade, dab off the excess, and coat it thoroughly with the breading mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, crispy texture.

Cooking: Heat your choice of oil in a large nonstick skillet and cook the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Then, toast the cashews in a dry pan until golden, setting the stage for a nutty crunch.

Stir Fry: In the same skillet, stir fry the onion and bell pepper, adding the ginger and garlic for an aromatic kick. Re-introduce the sauce to the skillet, stirring until thickened, creating a silky glaze that envelops the vegetables in a rich, savory coat.

The Final Act: Combine the chicken and cashews back into the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to ensure each piece is lovingly coated. The dish is now ready to serve, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and texture.

Serving the Dragon

With a total preparation and cooking time of around 50 minutes, Dragon Chicken is an ideal dish for those looking to dazzle at dinner parties or spice up a weekday meal. It serves 4 to 6, offering a generous dose of flavors that are sure to ignite your dining table with its fiery presence.

Each bite of Dragon Chicken is a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients with bold seasonings to create a dish that’s both comforting and thrilling. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this recipe promises a journey filled with vibrant flavors, textures, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So, don your apron, fire up the stove, and let the culinary adventure begin. The Dragon Chicken awaits, ready to breathe a fiery gust of flavor into your kitchen.