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Crispy fried chicken strips mixed with bright green bell peppers and roasted cashews in a rustic white bowl.

Spicy Dragon Chicken: Crispy, Glossy, and Addictive

Master the art of Spicy Dragon Chicken with this recipe featuring ultra-crispy fried chicken strips tossed in a glossy, sticky, deep red spicy sauce with bell peppers, cashews, and whole chilies.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch For ultra-crispy coating
  • 1 tsp Salt For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper For internal flavor
  • 2 cups Neutral Frying Oil Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Cut into thin strips
  • 8-10 whole Dried Red Chilies For smoky heat
  • 1/2 cup Raw Cashew Nuts To be roasted golden-brown
  • 3 tbsp Gochujang or Asian Chili Paste For the deep red color and spice
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Umami base
  • 2 tbsp Honey For sticky gloss
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar For tanginess
  • 2 stalks Fresh Scallions Thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 tbsp White Sesame Seeds Scattered on top

Equipment

  • 1 Large Wok or Deep Skillet Essential for high-heat frying and tossing.
  • 1 Spider Strainer Safely removes the crispy chicken from hot oil.
  • 1 Meat Thermometer Crucial for maintaining optimal frying oil temperature.

Method
 

Preparing and Frying
  1. Slice the chicken breast against the grain into thin strips. Toss with salt and white pepper. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss vigorously until every strip is completely coated and feels dry.
  2. Heat neutral frying oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  3. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok. Over medium heat, toast the raw cashew nuts for 2 minutes until golden-brown. Add the whole dried red chilies and toss for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  4. Increase heat to high. Add the green bell pepper strips and flash-saute for 60 seconds until slightly blistered but still bright green. Remove immediately.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar, then pour into the wok. Let it gently bubble and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened, glossy, and sticky.
  6. Turn off the heat. Add the crispy chicken, bell peppers, cashews, and chilies back into the wok. Toss rapidly until fully coated in the glossy sauce. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with sliced scallions and white sesame seeds.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to prevent soggy chicken.
Do not overcook the dried chilies; remove them as soon as they smell smoky and fragrant.