Description
This Spicy Dragon Chicken with Sweet Heat Sauce is the perfect balance of bold heat and sticky sweetness. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful sweet heat glaze, making it an irresistible dish for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. Inspired by the vibrant tastes of Asian street food, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees juicy, tender chicken with a glossy, spicy-sweet finish.
Ingredients
-
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
½ cup cornstarch
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
½ cup vegetable oil, for frying
-
¼ cup honey
-
3 tablespoons soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
-
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
-
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
-
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
-
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
-
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
-
Optional: fresh red chili slices for extra heat
Instructions
-
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch. Shake off excess.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
-
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
-
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency.
-
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
-
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional chili slices. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
-
Marinate chicken for 20–30 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.
-
Adjust sriracha and chili garlic sauce to control the spice level.
-
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables to balance the heat.
-
Reheat leftover chicken in an oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes